Surface modification of montmorillonite (MMT) using column chromatography technique and its application in silicone rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

Surface modification of montmorillonite (MMT) was done to improve the basal spacing using a column chromatography technique with quaternary long chain ammonium salt as an intercalent. An increase in d-spacing of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and found to increase from 16 to 22 Å. The d-spacing was maximal (22 Å) due to ion exchange column of sufficient length (35 cm) and diameter (5 cm), which provides maximum retention time for proper ion exchange between MMT and ion-exchange resin. OMMT: silicone nanocomposites were prepared by solution blending and then compounded and molded on two roll mill and compression molding machines, respectively. The amount of loading of OMMT was in the range of 2-10 wt%. The rubber chains were uniformly dispersed within and between the exfoliated OMMT plates. The extent of dispersion was measured using atomic force microscopy. The mechanical, thermal, and physical properties were studied. Increased amounts of OMMT loading showed increased silicone:OMMT nanocomposite properties compared to those of pristine silicone rubber due to OMMT exfoliation and uniform dispersion with good wet ability of the rubber chains.

Physicomechanical properties of wollastonite (CaSiO3)/styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites

“…Researchers have already been used different fillers in different polymer matrices such as calcium carbonate, fly ash, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), multi‐walled CNTs, carbon black, nanoclays, organomodified nanoclays, wollastonite, alumina clay, ZnO, Fe 3 O 4 , magnesium hydroxide, calcium sulphate, and Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 to study the thermal, rheological, mechanical, morphological, and flame retardant properties of polymer composites and their filler interactions. Basically, the main purpose of addition of mineral fillers in polymers is to reduce the cost and to give extra functionality.…”

Fabrication of Nanostructured Kaolinite Doped Composite Films from Silicone Rubber with Enhanced Properties

“…This improvement in properties with higher aspect ratios is attributed to the better reinforcement of nanolayers [9]. However, compared to other layered materials, clay minerals have received more attention due to their low cost, availability, and non-carcinogenic nature [1,24]. In order to achieve good mechanical properties, traditional fillers (silica and carbon black) are used in large quantities (>20~50 wt%), whereas incorporation of much smaller amount (<10 wt%) of layered-clay can provide excellent material properties [25].…”

Effect of multilayered nanostructures on the physico‐mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate‐based hybrid nanocomposites

“…However, improvement in the physico‐mechanical (thermal, mechanical, physical) properties of EVA has become a significant topic , as high performance of materials, especially in field of insulating materials, hot melt adhesives, food packing , biomedical , photo voltaic , construction, lubricant, transport, and electrical engineering applications. Traditionally unmodified and modified calcium carbonate , fly ash, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) , multiwalled CNTs , carbon black, nanoclays , alumina clay , ZnO , Fe 3 O 4 , and wollastonite nanofillers are used to improve the physico‐mechanical properties. Additionally, fillers are uniformly distributed or exfoliated with polymer matrix to form intermolecular interaction with polymer chains and to increase the properties of polymer nanocomposites.…”