Mechanical and morphological behaviour of grafted UHMWPE/EVA nanoclay composites

Generally to facilitate interaction with a polymer, clay is modified with alkyl ammonium to render the hydrophilic surface, organophilic. However, this organically modified clay does not disperse well in PE (polyethylene) due to its non-polar nature. In this paper, this dispersion is effected by blending PE with EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate). UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) was blended with EVA in the ratio of 90∶10, 70∶30 and 50∶50 for imparting polar characteristics to the polyolefin. Due to the immiscibility, 5% (optimum percentage) MAH (Maleic Anhydride) was added as the compatibilizer. The nanoclay-30B was added to an optimum percentage of 3%. This blending drastically improved the mechanical and the morphological properties. This nanocomposite, owing to its elastomeric nature may be potentially used as coatings in the automobile and the marine industry.