The Effects of High Energy Radiation on the Tensile Properties of Rubber Toughened Nanocomposites

Abstract

Composites based on high density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and Organically Modified Montmorillonite (OMMT) clays were made by melt compounding followed by compression molding. Mechanical properties, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the nanocomposites. The addition of clay, compatibilizer agent, Maleic Anhydride Polyethylene (MAPE) and irradiation technique, High Energy Electron Beam (EB) considerably improved the properties of nanocomposites. Tensile Strength and Modulus (MPa) were found to increase significantly with increasing clay content and decreasing as the clay content exceeds 4 vol%. The largest improvement in nanocomposite tensile properties occurred at clay loading of 4 vol% (2-8 vol%) with irradiation technique. The d spacings of the clay in nanocomposites were monitored using XRD and the extent of delamination was examined by TEM. TEM photomicrographs illustrated the intercalated and exfoliated structures of the nanocomposites with OMMT, MAPE and irradiation process.

Potential of irradiated high density polyethylene/ethylene propylene rubber-carbon nanotube nanocomposite as shoe sole

“…The better dispersion of nanofiller in the matrix and the exposure to EB may have contributed to the improvement in gel content formation. 15,30 However, there were some contradictions and inconsistencies in the gel content fraction in the irradiated nanocomposite, as shown in Figure 7. It was expected that as reported by Jamal et al 26 and Shin et al, 31 with Figure 6.…”

“…For example, exposure to high doses above 100 kGy results in poor mechanical properties due to chain degradation. 15 The high surface area of CNTs tends to cause agglomeration. 3 Thus, it is expected that better dispersion of nanofillers in the rubber matrix could be obtained through surface modification via high-energy EB radiation.…”

“…For example, exposure to high doses above 100 kGy results in poor mechanical properties due to chain degradation. 15…”

Potential Of Electron Beam Irradiated HDPE/EPR Blend As Shoes Sole

“…Besides that, the formation of radiation induced crosslinking in the HDPE and EPR which can be verified by further gel content analysis. The 100 kGy of EB radiation have caused sufficient formation of crosslink network structure between the polymer blend to become stiffer thus result in the increased of tensile modulus of EB irradiated polymer blend [6].…”

“…The radiation dose of electron beam also needs to be controlled in order to obtain the best properties. For example, at higher dose rate which above 100 kGy results in poor mechanical properties due to chain degradation [6].…”