Effect of both Modified & Unmodified Nanosilica on Morphological and Thermal Properties of Model TPE Blend Systems

Abstract

A comparative study between the modified and unmodified nanosilica to fine tune the morphological and thermal properties of a model low-density polyethylene (LDPE) – ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) thermoplastic elastomer blend system is explored in this article. The nanosilica particles were melt-blended with the LDPE/EVA system through the variation of the sequence of addition. The blends were compression molded, and their morphological and thermal properties were evaluated. The incorporation of nanosilica particles produced a drastic improvement in thermal stability as compared to the control blend. The morphological studies clearly indicated that modified nanosilica had a homogeneous dispersion in the bi -component polymer matrix leading to strengthening of silica-polymer interface. Interestingly, after modification the sequence did not play a major role in affecting the morphology of this system. Overall, although the properties of the unmodified nanosilica filled blends are strong functions of the sequence of addition, but, interestingly, the properties of the modified nanosilica filled blends do not depend much on the preparation procedure.