Polychloroprene rubber/ethylene-propylene diene monomer/multiple walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites: synergistic effects of radiation crosslinking and MWNT addition

Synergistic effect of MWNT induced reinforcement and high energy radiation induced crosslinking on the physico-mechanical and thermal characteristics of polychloroprene rubber (PCR)/ethylene-propylene diene rubber (EPDM)/MWNT elastomeric nanocomposites was investigated. The extent of reinforcement, as assessed using the Kraus equation suggested high reinforcement of the blend on MWNT addition; though, the thermal stability and glass transition of the PCR and EPDM components were not significantly affected by MWNTs. The elastic modulus increased with the radiation dose as well as with the increase in MWNT content. The reinforcing mechanism of the nano-composites was studied by various micromechanics models all of which predicted higher moduli than the experimentally observed results, indicating agglomeration in the nano-composites. Nevertheless, in all the composites synergistic effect of radiation crosslinking and MWNT induced reinforcement were seen, suggesting radiation induced crosslinking between polymer and MWNT interface.