Thermoreversible cross-linked nanocomposite materials based on EPM rubber and 3-(1-triethoxysilylpropyl)maleimide

van Zutphen, Thomas (2019) Thermoreversible cross-linked nanocomposite materials based on EPM rubber and 3-(1-triethoxysilylpropyl)maleimide. Bachelor's Thesis, Chemical Engineering.

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Abstract

Thermo-reversible polymers are becoming increasingly important, due to their potential recyclability. Nano-composite materials are, also, increasingly being employed as the: mechanical, electro-physical, optical and, even, magnetic properties can be modified through the adjustment of the nanoparticle filler size. These materials tend not be recyclable, however if the nanoparticle filler were cross-linked, using a Diels-Alder reaction, the resulting polymer should be thermo-reversible and, potentially, recyclable. To crosslink a modified EPM rubber (Polymer A) two reactions were performed: a Diels-Alder reaction and a hydrolysis/condensation of the hydrophilic ends of 3-(1-triethoxysilylpropyl)maleimide. Two polymers were synthesised: one where the Diels-Alder reaction was performed last (Polymer B) and one where the Diels-Alder reaction was performed first (Polymer C). IR spectroscopy and EDS of polymers B and C confirmed that crosslinking was successful in both polymers. The tensile tests of Polymer C consistently displayed a lower Young’s modulus and higher ultimate stress, relative to Polymer B, with both demonstrating higher Young’s moduli and ultimate stresses, relative to Polymer A. SEM images suggested that the size and distribution of the silica nanoparticles in Polymer C were smaller and more uniform than those present in Polymer B. Performing the Diels-Alder reaction first appeared to yield a polymer with superior tensile properties.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Picchioni, F.
Degree programme:	Chemical Engineering
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	17 Jan 2020 10:00
Last Modified:	14 Dec 2020 13:24
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/21417

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