Influence of mechanical properties,toughness, and barrier properties of PMMA‐EVA‐organoclay nanocomposites with and without in situ crosslinking

Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA)‐ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)‐organoclay nanocomposites were prepared with and without in situ crosslinking using tetrapropoxysilane (TPOS) as a crosslinking agent and dibutyl tin oxide (DBTO) as a catalyst. Brabender Plasticorder experimental results suggest that in situ crosslinking transforms the EVA from a liquid to a viscoelastic solid. Transmission electron micrographs analysis indicates that most of the organoclay was clustered in the crosslinked EVA phase. X‐ray diffraction and morphology indicate that the PMMA‐EVA‐organoclay nanocomposites were intercalated and incompatible. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results indicate some interaction between PMMA‐EVA‐clay nanocomposites. The in situ crosslinked of EVA and the addition of organoclay increased the modulus properties of PMMA. However, in situ crosslinking slightly reduced the barrier properties of PMMA‐EVA‐organoclay nanocomposites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.