Influence of layered nanofillers on the mechanical properties and thermal degradation of polyacrylicester polymer: Theoretical and experimental investigations

Thermal stability and mechanical characteristic of an elastomer utilized in automotive components require considerable improvement in view of stringent conditions imposed. One of the ways to improve these properties is to fabricate polymer nanocomposites. Organically modified clay (Cloisite 30B), and modified graphene (graphene oxide) were introduced into polyacrylicester (ACM) system using solution blending method and their properties were investigated in the presence of these nanofillers. Incorporation of layered nanofillers has enhanced the thermal, dynamic mechanical, mechanical and barrier properties. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were estimated by the Halpin-Tsai model. The results were analyzed with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Proper dispersion of the nanofillers increased the properties of the nanocomposite. This is because of secondary interactions among these nanofillers and the elastomer. To study the effect of nanofiller on the decomposition of ACM, reactive force field (ReaxFF) molecular dynamics simulation was done on the ACM rubber for the first time with model graphene-oxide (GO) molecule. With the introduction of GO molecule, the onset of degradation was enhanced and the rate of degradation was decreased to a considerable extent. This investigation can be useful to various other elastomer systems for the enhancement of thermal stability and mechanical properties.