Fluoroelastomer‐MWNT nanocomposites‐1: Dispersion, morphology, physico‐mechanical, and thermal properties

Abstract The present article reports the preparation and characterization of fluoroelastomer/multi‐walled nanotube hybrid nanocomposites prepared by conventional rubber mixing using a two‐roll mill. The morphology of the resulting hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopies (TEM). SEM photographs showed the formation of completely exfoliated and uniformly dispersed nanotubes in the polymer matrix during the high shear mixing process. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) has been used to further study the topography of the composites which also showed complete exfoliation. The effect of increasing MWNT loadings on the mechanical properties like tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break, hardness, and tear resistance has also been studied. The fracture surface of the composite has been studied by SEM. A “cross hatched pattern” has been observed. The thermal stability of the composites has been studied by TGA and increase in decomposition temperature with increase in MWNT loadings has been observed which was attributed to the antioxidant nature of nanotubes. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.