Composite Interfaces, Vol.11, No.8-9, 701-710, 2005
Modified nanofiller epichlorohydrin elastomer composite
A Zn-ion coated nanosilica filler has been developed and tested as vulcanizing activator and reinforcing filler for poly(epichlorohydrin-co-ethylene oxide-co-allyl glycidyl ether); Hydrin 400. In this study ZnO has been replaced by the Zn-ion coated nanosilica filler with the aim of studying the dual role of this nanofiller. The Zn-ion coated nanosilica filler proved to be a better reinforcing and curing agent than the ZnO added from outside. Poly(epichlorohydrin-co-ethylene oxide-co-allyl glycidyl ether) and ethylene thiourea (NA22) was more reinforcing with high state of cure when Zn-ion coated nanosilica filler was used in presence of mercaptobenzoimidazole, in comparison to the peroxide curative system. However, the peroxide cure system offers better thermal stability. ZnO, when added from outside, is less reinforcing than Zn-ion coated nanosilica filler because of improved elastomer-filler surface interaction.
Keywords:vulcanization;nanofiller;silica;zinc-ion;poly(epichlorohydrin-co-ethylene oxide-co-allyl glycidyl ether)