Abstract: A surface modification for montmorillonite (MMT) was conducted by using di-octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and then the methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVQ)-based composites with modified MMT and the pristine one were prepared by a melt mixing method. The effect of room temperature mixing and melting mixing methods on mechanical properties, thermal performance and morphology of the composites were investigated. The results indicated that the interlamellar spacing of MMT was improved from 1.25 to 3.97 nm after modification. The melt mixing method was more advantageous for the formation of intercalated structure in comparison with the room temperature mixing method. The composites prepared by melt mixing also achieved higher tensile strength, and a maximum value of 6.0 MPa when 30 phr of modified MMT was incorporated. However, its thermal stability tended to decrease.

Key words: methyl vinyl silicone rubber, di-octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, montmorillonite, modified, intercalation, melt mixing