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Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)/sepiolite nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending in a twin screw extruder. The structural, morphological, thermal, flammability and mechanical properties of the EVA/sepiolite nanocomposites were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermal analysis, tensile properties and limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurements. X-ray diffraction analysis and FESEM revealed good dispersion of sepiolite in EVA matrix. The tensile strength of EVA/sepiolite increased by 21% and Young's modulus increased by 47% at 5 wt% and 7 wt% sepiolite content, respectively. The thermal stability and fire retardancy of the nanocomposites improved with sepiolite incorporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall objective of this work was to study the influence of vinyl acetate (VAc) content on the rheological properties and microstructure of polymer gels based on conventional and high-oleic sunflower vegetable oils and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The mechanical properties during gel preparation can be in situ monitored through the evolution of torque with processing time by using the mixing rheometry technique. Linear viscoelastic measurements, as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests and morphological observations, were performed on the resulting gels. From the experimental results, it can be concluded that VAc content and melt flow index of the EVA copolymer significantly affect the rheological and thermal responses of polymer gels. VAc content, mainly affecting EVA degree of crystallinity, and melt flow index influence the linear viscoelastic behaviour in opposite directions. On the contrary, the extension of the linear viscoelastic regime and gel-like to liquid-like response transition temperatures are mainly dominated by EVA degree of crystallinity, as confirmed through calorimetry tests and microscopy observations. The different fatty acid profile in sunflower oils tested does not exert an important influence on process rheokinetics and rheological behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of irradiation on tensile, dynamic mechanical properties, thermal properties and morphology of ENR-50, EVA and ENR-50/EVA blend was investigated. All the samples were irradiated using a 3.0MeV electron beam (EB) machine with doses ranging from 20 to 100kGy. Results indicate that the gel fraction of ENR-50, EVA and ENR-50/EVA blend increases with irradiation dose. Concerning tensile properties, it can be seen that EB radiation increases the tensile strength of all the samples, increases the elongation at break of ENR-50 and ENR-50/EVA blend, reduces the elongation at break of EVA, increases M200 (modulus at 200% strain) of ENR-50 and EVA, while decreases M200 of the ENR-50/EVA blend. For dynamic mechanical studies, it was found that EB radiation increases the T g of all the samples due to the effect of irradiation-induced crosslinking. The compatibility of ENR-50/EVA blend also found to be improving upon irradiation. In the case of thermal properties, it was detected that T m, T c and the degree of crystallinity of ENR-50/EVA blend increase with an increase in irradiation dose. This was due to the perfection in the crystal growth occurring upon radiation. Morphology changes play a major role in the changes of the properties of ENR-50/EVA blend. Finally, it can be concluded that ENR-50/EVA blend can be vulcanized by EB radiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]