Poly(styrene-co -butyl acrylate)/organo-silica core-shell and ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate)/organo-silica nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending in a twin screw bara-bender. The structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and thermal analysis (TGA and DSC). In addition, the tensile properties were identified. It was found that addition of 5% poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate)/organo-silica to the matrix of EVA has improved the tensile strength of the nanocomposite by 29%. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites has been improved and the residue (char % at 500°C) reaches its maximum value. POLYM. COMPOS., 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers