Toughened elastomer/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)‐intercalated rectorite nanocomposites: Preparation, microstructure, and mechanical properties

Improving the properties and behaviors of polymeric materials is significantly important both in industry and academic area. In this contribution, natural rubber (NR) and ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) based nanocomposites were prepared using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) intercalated rectorite (POSS‐REC) as the nanofiller. The microstructure and POSS‐REC dispersion in the composites were investigated via XRD and TEM. The results indicated that intercalated‐exfoliated POSS‐REC/NR composites and exfoliated POSS‐REC/EVA composites were obtained successfully. Thermal properties data indicated that the presence of POSS‐REC improved thermostability of the composites. SEM observations of fracture surfaces showed that POSS‐REC in the composites could terminate primary crazings and induce new smaller crazings. Mechanical tests showed that tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites increased notably with the content of POSS‐REC. On the basis of experimental data, a possible dispersion model was proposed. The obtained nanocomposites may have excellent prospects in the fields demanding high performances. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E443–E450, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers