Abstract—In this research we have investigated the effect of different percentages of nanoclay and matrix compositions on the characteristics of NR/BR blend prepared by open two-roll mill. The dispersion of the layered silicate in rubber matrix was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) The results showed that the nanocomposites structure consisting of intercalated structure as well as partially exfoliated structure are obtained. Properties such as permeability and complex viscosity as well as storage modulus are tested to assess the effect of addition of the nanoclay and matrix composition. Permeability and compression set of the nanocomposite samples received markedly improvement. These results were confirmed by Gel content measurements since a noticeable decrease in the gel values was observed when the organoclay was added to the rubber compounds. The properties improvement caused by nanoclay are attributed to intercalation of the organophilic clay by NR/BR macromolecules and established interaction between nanoclay and polymer matrix which was evidenced by SEM photomicrographs. These results were accompanied by enhanced rheological properties.

Index Terms—Nanoclay, nanocomposite, x-ray diffraction, SEM photomicrographs, rheological properties

Abdolmajiid Alipour is with the Young Researchers Club, Zarghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zarghan, Iran (phone: +989123399823; fax: +987124226911; e-mail: Abdolmajid.Alipoor@gmail.com).

Cite: Abdolmajid Alipour, "Fabrication and Characterization of Nanostructured Polymer Composites Prepared by Melt Compounding," International Journal of Bioscience, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 79-84, 2012.