Electron beam crosslinking of EVA/ENR-50/HNTS nanocomposites in the presence of Trimethylol propane triacrylate, TMPTA

Ethylene vinyl acetate/ Epoxidised natural rubber/ Halloysite nanotube (EVA/ENR-50/HNT) nanocomposite was prepared through melt blending process using twin screw extruder at 120 oC and 50 rpm of screw speed. The ratio of EVA/ENR-50/HNT was fixed at 80:20:4. The nanocomposites were irradiated with a 3.0 MeV electron beam machine at doses ranging from 50 to 200 kGy in air at room temperature. The effect of irradiation dose and co-agent Trimethylol Propane Triacrylate (TMPTA) on tensile strength and gel content of EVA/ENR-50/HNT nanocomposite were studied. It was found that the tensile strength and gel fraction of the EVA/ENR-50/HNT nanocomposites increased with the increased of irradiation dose. In the presence of TMPTA, a better performance in tensile strength was achieved due to the increased efficiency of irradiation induce crosslinking of EVA/ENR-50/HNT nanocomposite