Reinforcement of transparent ethylene-co-vinyl acetate rubber by nanocrystalline cellulose. (May 2015) - Ma, Piming
Graphical abstract: Highlights: Superior mechanical properties of EVA rubber were achieved by addition of 2 phr NCC. Fine dispersion of NCC can be obtained even without interfacial modification. Good optical clarity of EVA was maintained after compounding with 1–5 phr NCC. Abstract: Ethylene- co -vinyl acetate rubber/nanocrystalline cellulose (EVA/NCC) nanocomposites were prepared by solution mixing and static vulcanization in the presence of peroxide. The gel content and crosslink density of the nanocomposites were decreased with increasing NCC loading. However, mechanical properties of the EVA were considerably enhanced, e.g., the tensile strength and the storage modulus were increased by around 75% and 50%, respectively, when 2 phr of the NCC was incorporated. Such significant reinforcement is ascribed to a uniform dispersion of the NCC, the formation of NCC network and the strong EVA–NCC interactions as confirmed by morphology observation (SEM and AFM) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA). Moreover, the presence of the NCC did not compromise obviously the optical clarity and the thermal decomposition temperature of the EVA. The highly reinforced ethylene- co -vinyl acetate rubber with high transparence may broaden its application range.