Publication

Abstract : Nanocomposite technology opens up a new era in the study of polymeric materials. Carbon nanotubes, due to their extremely high mechanical strength finds use as a filler material in many polymer matrices and can be viewed as one of the most promising area driven towards commercial applications. Nevertheless nanoclay is also equally good as filler in increasing the mechanical, barrier as well as thermal characteristics of chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) matrix. The synergistic effect produced by nanoclay and carbon nanotube in enhancing the properties of chlorobutyl rubber enhances its efficacy towards the fabrication of industrially relevant materials. The nanocomposites were prepared using cloisite 30 B and carbon nanotubes separately and a hybrid nanocomposite was prepared by incorporating these two fillers to evaluate the synergistic effect of the fillers. The mechanical, dielectric, solvent diffusion and barrier properties of the nanocomposites were analyzed. The results show an enhancement in the aforementioned properties and reveal that both the carbon nanotubes and nanoclay contribute synergistically towards the enhancement in properties. Moreover the enhanced solvent resistance as well as gas barrier properties suggests the feasibility of the utilization of the material in the production of chemical protective clothing. Evaluation of thermal decontamination of the proposed CPC material reveals its potential for its effective reuse.