Effects of the anisotropy in the rheological properties of block copolymer nano composites

Clay-containing block copolymer nano composites are materials with potential applications in the field of thermoplastic elastomers, and their morphological structures and rheological properties are still not very well known. In this work nanocomposites of triblock copolymers (SEBS) and organophilic clays were prepared by melt extrusion. The materials obtained had their microstructures and properties characterized using small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and extensional rheological measurements. In particular, we have investigated the effects of the orientations of the block copolymers and clay particles, caused by processing, on the rheological properties of the nano structured materials studied. (author)