Tailoring in thermomechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomer with silane functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The incorporation of silane treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (S-MWCNTs) is used as an effective path for tailoring thermomechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). In this study, S-MWCNTs were introduced into EPDM using internal dispersion kneader and two roller mixing mill. By altering the mass ratio of S-MWCNTs from 0 to 1, thermal conductivity, thermal stability and phase transition temperatures and their respective enthalpies are discussed of the fabricated nanocomposites. It is observed that silane modification improves their dispersion and increases the interfacial bonding between MWCNTs and polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy along energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis is performed to confirm the silane functionalized MWCNTs are selectively distributed in the host polymer. More importantly, an important increase in mechanical properties like ultimate tensile strength and hardness is achieved through introducing silane functionalized MWCNTs. (C) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43221.