EPDM/modified halloysite nanocomposites

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were modified by γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS) to improve their dispersion in ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). The EPDM/HNT nanocomposites were prepared by mixing 0, 5, 10 and 30 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of HNTs with EPDM on a two-roll mill. The tensile strength and tensile modulus at 100% elongation (M100) of the nanocomposites were higher than those of EPDM/unmodified HNTs (EPDM/HNT) while the elongation at break decreased a little after modification of the HNTs. SEM and TEM studies revealed the better dispersion of the modified HNTs in the EPDM matrix. FTIR and TGA indicated that γ-MPS had partially penetrated into the HNTs and interacted with the Si–O groups on the surfaces of the HNTs.