M. Abdul Kader, et al. Composites science and technology, 2006, 66(10), 1431-1443.
Fluoroelastomer (FKM)/Layered Clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing. The rheological behavior of the obtained FKM/Organoclay (O-MMT) nanocomposites exhibited shear thinning behavior, shifting to Newtonian fluid behavior at higher loads. The FKM/O-MMT blends exhibited better processing properties due to their reduced equilibrium die swell and better extrudate appearance. Moreover, while the unmodified clay improved the thermal stability of FKM, the onset of degradation by O-MMT was pushed to a lower temperature region due to the decomposition of the organic modifier present in O-MMT.
Preparation of rubber nanocomposites
Two different clays (Na-MMT and O-MMT), along with carbon black and silica, were utilized as fillers to investigate the rheological properties. The clays were incorporated into FKM at varying concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% of rubber, while the carbon black and silica were added at a fixed proportion of 10 wt%. The compounds were labeled as FM for FKM/Na-MMT, FOM for FKM/O-MMT, FC for FKM/carbon black, and FS for FKM/silica, with the number in the compound code representing the percentage of filler used. The rubber compounds were mixed using an open two-roll mill at room temperature, with a friction ratio of 1:1.1 and a nip gap of approximately 1 mm. A consistent mixing time of 15 minutes was maintained for all the compounds.
