A novel thermotropic elastomer based on highly-filled LDH-SSB composites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Elastomeric composites offer tunable properties for various applications.
• Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are versatile nanomaterials with unique structural characteristics.
• Developing advanced materials with stimuli-responsive properties is an active research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize elastomeric composites based on solution styrene butadiene elastomer and zinc-aluminium layered double hydroxides (LDH).
• To investigate the thermoreversible transparency phenomenon in these novel composites.
• To evaluate the impact of LDH incorporation on the mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermal properties of the elastomer.

Main Methods:

• Solution styrene butadiene elastomer was compounded with varying amounts of zinc-aluminium layered double hydroxides (LDH) up to 100 parts per hundred rubber.
• Conventional sulfur cure system was employed for composite preparation.
• Mechanical testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermal stability assessments were conducted.

Main Results:

• The elastomeric composites exhibited thermoreversible transparency, transitioning from transparent to opaque with increasing temperature and regaining transparency upon cooling.
• Transparency increased with higher LDH content.
• Incorporation of LDH significantly improved the mechanical strength, dynamic mechanical performance, and thermal stability of the base elastomer.

Conclusions:

• The developed elastomeric composites demonstrate a promising thermoreversible transparency effect.
• LDH acts as an effective reinforcing agent, enhancing the overall performance of the elastomer.
• These smart materials hold potential for diverse applications requiring tunable optical and mechanical properties.