EVA‐Montmorillonite Nanocomposites: Effect of Processing Conditions

Summary: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the compounding apparatus and of processing conditions on the properties of an organoclay‐poly[ethylene‐co‐(vinyl acetate)] (EVA) nanocomposite. The filled materials were prepared using either a discontinuous batch mixer, a single screw extruder, a counter rotating intermeshing twin‐screw compounder or a corotating intermeshing twin‐screw extruder. The characterization of the obtained nanocomposites was performed by XRD, thermogravimetry, mechanical and rheological measurements. The study has shown the possibility of producing nanocomposites based on EVA and a commercial organoclay (Cloisite 15A) by several mixing equipments. In fact all the prepared composite materials exhibit a larger interlayer clay spacing in comparison with the pristine organoclay. Moreover their elastic modulus is significantly increased from 50 to 100% depending on the processing conditions. X‐ray diffraction of the master (Sample A) and the clay used for its preparation (Cloisite 15A). image X‐ray diffraction of the master (Sample A) and the clay used for its preparation (Cloisite 15A).