Nanoclay reinforced bio-based elastomers: Synthesis and characterization

A new bio-based elastomer synthesized from soybean oil was filled with nanoclay to generate an elastic nanocomposite. A solubility parameter study was used to select the organoclay for poly(acrylated oleic methyl ester) (AOME). Effects of the nanoclay on the macroscopic and microscopic properties were explored. The morphology varies from fully exfoliated to intercalated structure with different types of clay and clay concentrations. Mechanical properties are significantly improved by the addition of organoclays. The elongation at break increases as well as the tensile strength. A decrease in the crosslink density of this elastic nanocomposite, measured by swelling test, indicates that the clay hinders chemical crosslinking and also confirms the formation of physical crosslinks. Percolation studies show the improvement of the network structure by nanoclays. The onset of the thermal decomposition was hindered by the loading of the nanoclay. Clay effects on biodegradability were studied as well.