Elastomer-Clay Nanocomposites: Effect of Elastomer Polarity

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.