Elastomer‐Clay Nanocomposites: Effect of Elastomer Polarity

Abstract

Abstract Dynamic mechanical properties of non‐polar and polar elastomer‐based nanocomposites with Montmorillonite clay are studied in order to ascertain differences caused by elastomer's polarity. Natural as non‐polar and polychloroprene as polar rubber are used to experimentally verify predictions based on different nature of elastomer‐clay interactions in the two cases. The properties foretold and elucidated in terms of van der Waals interactions in the non‐polar case and dipole‐dipole interactions in the polar case agree well with experiment, concurrently sustaining general depiction of these unusual nanocomposites.