Studies on Morphology, Physical and Mechanical Properties of EVA/Clay Nanocomposites

In the last two decades، some studies have been conducted on the preparation and properties of nanocomposites based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and nanoclay particles. The results indicate that the addition of small amounts of nanoclay into EVA system improve the thermal resistance، fire retardancy، tear strength، tensile modulus and hardness of the nanocomposites. When the percentage of nanoclay increases، zero shear viscosity of the nanocomposite increases، the Newtonian region becomes shorter and the material reveals shear thinning behavior at lower shear rates in comparison with that of the parent polymer. The factors such as the type and amount of nanoclay as well as the percentage of vinyl acetate in EVA play significant role in morphology and physical and mechanical properties of their corresponding nanocomposites. The aim of this study is to present some information on the above nanocomposites by reviewing the most recent published papers on their various aspects of preparation and general properties in relation to their most important applications.