Rheological and mechanical properties of clay-thermoplastic elastomers derived from PVC and NBR

Based on the character of a clay that could be separated into many 1-nm thickness monolayers, clay poly(vinylchloride)-nitrile butadiene rubber (PVC/NBR) thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) were acquired using a Brabender Plasticorder at 150 degrees C and 50 rpm rotor speed. Clay concentrations were progressively increased up to 10 phr of PVC/NBR composites. The rheological behavior of the clay PVC/NBR blends was assessed by dynamic mechanical analysis, as well as Brabender torque rheometry. The results revealed that the complex modulus (E*) and elastic modulus (E') increased with clay loading, indicating that the actual strength of the blends improved. Tensile properties of the PVC/NBR-clay formulations with different filling amounts were studied. The results showed that the mechanical performance of the rubbery samples improved with clay loadings. The observed trend has been attributed to the reinforcing role played by layered clay due to better dispersion as well as improved interactions.