Clay reinforced polymer composites with advanced UV-resistant properties
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Date
2024
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Publisher
UMT, Lhr
Abstract
Polycomposites based on ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer are becoming increasingly popular for their exceptional properties, especially the incorporation of different additives that make them UV resistant. Several materials have been used to enhance the UV resistance of EVA composites, like fuller’s earth clay, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA), carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), aluminum silicate, graphite powder, titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and cerium oxide (CeO). Fuller's earth clay, a naturally occurring magnesium aluminum silicate clay that is used for skin and hair care products because of its absorbent ability, works in conjunction with EVA composites as a filler which improves their mechanical properties along with its UV resistance. The compatibilizing effect aiding the interfacial bonding between EVA and inorganic fillers is contributed by the addition of 2-EHA. Because of their high surface area to volume ration at nanoscale, carbon nanoparticles enhance the UV shielding property of the composites. The addition of graphite powder increases the electrical conductivity and provides additional UV shielding. The rest of the materials, TiO₂, ZnO, MgO, and CeO, serve the purpose of active UV blockers, absorbing harmful rays and prevent degradation of polymers. Composites are examined for their structural, morphologic, and optical features using techniques such as Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD). The combination of these additives enables the fabrication polycomposites based on EVA with enhanced mechanical properties, greater thermal stability, and superior resistance to UV radiation, making them useful for automotive parts, packaging products, and outdoor goods exposed to UV radiation.