Abstract
(Nano)composites based on maleated ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM-g-AM) and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) has been prepared by melt intercalation procedure. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical tests. XRD data show the increase of the distance between the silicate layers indicating the intercalation of polymer chains in the montmorillonite galleries. The incorporation of OMMT in composites determines the increase of melting peak temperature (Tm) and heat of fusion (DHf) suggesting a supplementary nucleation increase due to the OMMT presence. The mechanical properties were analyzed as a function of the OMMT level in the composite and the results reveal remarkable improvement relative to the conventional composite. Keywords: EPDM-g-MA/OMMT nanocomposites, XRD, TGA, DSC, mechanical properties