TPEV/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites with Dynamic Vulcanizing Process

Abstract

Thermoplastic Elastomer Vulcanizates (TPEV) prepared by dynamic vulcanizing process, is a material which has both the properties of a vulcanized rubber (elasticity) and thermoplastics (processibility). TPEV is cost effective for its good processibility and eco-friendly for its recyclability. TPEV/layered silicate nanocomposites can give a greater advantage of weight reduction which is a key issue in automotive industry because of fuel efficiency. Applying TPEV/layered silicate nanocomposites, the amount of reinforcement mineral filler can be reduced greatly compared to general TPEV which is reinforced by talc or kaolin clay. The mechanical strengths of TPEV/layered silicate nanocomposites using small amounts of MMT is similar to those of general TPEV using larger amounts of general filler. Various evaluations such as degree of crosslinking, degree of filler dispersion (XRD and TEM), surface hardness and tensile properties were carried out for the TPEV/layered silicate nanocomposites.