EFFECT OF MONTMORILLONITE CLAY ON POLYETHERIMIDE/SILICONE RUBBER BLEND BASED NANOCOMPOSITES

The present study investigates the preparation of polyetherimide (PEI)/silicone rubber nanocomposites reinforced with various loadings (phr) of MMT nanoclay using melt mixing process with the aid of co-rotating twin screw extruder. The results obtained for various properties indicate that PEI/silicone rubber nanocomposites have shown significant improvement in mechanical, thermal and morphological properties enhancement due to better interfacial adhesion between MMT and polymer matrix at 2 phr loading of nanofiller. Thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA) has been used to predict the thermal stability of the developed nanocomposites. The thermal stability of developed nanocomposites has shown an appreciable enhancement because of better interfacial adhesion between the MMT and polymer matrix. SEM micrographs demonstrate that the entire surface of developed nanocomposite is smooth and has no voids and cavities. It is also evident from SEM micrographs that there is excellent dispersion of nanofiller throughout the entire PEI/silicone rubber matrix.