Effects of maleic anhydride grafted ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) on the properties of EVA/silica nanocomposites

Abstract

Ternary nanocomposites based on ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), maleic anhydride-grafted EVA (EVAgMA), and nanosilica were prepared in a Haake Rheomixer. The structure of the EVA/EVAgMA/silica nanocomposites was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The blending sequence was found to have a significant effect on the microstructure of EVA/EVAgMA/silica nanocomposites and the dispersion behavior of the nanosilica in the EVA matrix. The tensile properties (tensile strength and elongation at break), thermal behavior, crystalline structure and weatherability of the nanocomposites were also studied. The results showed that the above properties of the nanocomposites were enhanced remarkably using 1 wt% EVAgMA.