Combined effect of SEBS-g-MAH and OMMT on morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of SAN/EPDM (80/20) blends

The objective of this investigation is to enhance the compatibility between the poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN) and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM) in the presence of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) to achieve better impact strength of this hybrid material by utilizing styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MAH) as a compatibilizer. The effectiveness of (SEBS-g-MAH) as a compatibility agent is based on the analysis of the rheological, mechanical, and morphological properties of the final products. Mixtures were produced through melt blending using Brabender mixer. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile and impact tests were used to examine the structural, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of SAN/EPDM composites with and without OMMT and SEBS-g-MAH. According to the SEM analysis and XRD patterns, the SEBS-g-MAH reduced the EPDM phase's domain size, exfoliated structure and homogeneous dispersion of the OMMT silicate layers was observed. Based on the ATG results, the addition of SEBS-g-MA did not substantially alter the thermal stability of SAN/EPDM/OMMT nanocomposites. The stiff clay's competing effect, along with the tough effects of the EPDM and SEBS-g-MAH elastomers, have a significantly impact on the modulus and impact strength, resulting in balanced properties.