Effect of the blending sequence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of PET/EPDM, EPDM-g-MA/organoclay ternary hybrid nanocomposites

In the present work, poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/organomontmorilonite (OMMT)/ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), maleic anhydride ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM-g-MA) nanocomposites were prepared via melt blending in a Haake Rheocord mixer. Four different blending sequences were examined: A) preparing EPDM/EPDM-g-MA (EPMA)/organoclay nanocomposite and then blending it with PET,(S1), B) dispersion of organoclay in PET and then blending it with EPMA, (S2), C) blending PET with EPMA and then mixing it with organoclay, (S3), D) blending PET, EPMA and organoclay in a single process, (S4). The microstructure of the PET/(EPMA)/organoclay `ternary hybrids were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the dispersion of organoclay in the polymer matrix as well as the microstructure of the blends was greatly affected by the blending sequence. Mechanical properties of the blends including tensile and impact properties were also studied. Results revealed that PET/ (EPMA)/organoclay nanocomposites made by blending sequence, S1, has the maximum tensile and impact strength among the others. This effect can be attributed to its fine Sea-Island morphology and good dispersion of the organoclay in the continuous PET matrix

کلیدواژه ها:

PET ، Organoclay ، Ternary Nanocomposites ، Morphology