  The influence of carbon multi-walled nanotubes (MWCNTs) and halloysite
nanotubes (HNTs) on the physical, thermal, mechanical, and electrical
properties of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) copolymer was investigated.
EVA-based nanocomposites containing MWCNTs or HNTs, as well as hybrid
nanocomposites containing both nanofillers were prepared by melt blending.
Scanning electron microcopy (SEM) images revealed the presence of good
dispersion of both kinds of nanotubes throughout the EVA matrix. The
incorporation of nanotubes into the EVA copolymer matrix did not significantly
affect the crystallization behavior of the polymer. The tensile strength of
EVA-based nanocomposites increased along with the increasing CNTs (carbon
nanotubes) content (increased up to approximately 40% at the loading of 8
wt.%). In turn, HNTs increased to a great extent the strain at break.
Mechanical cyclic tensile tests demonstrated that nanocomposites with hybrid
reinforcement exhibit interesting strengthening behavior. The synergistic
effect of hybrid nanofillers on the modulus at 100% and 200% elongation was
visible. Moreover, along with the increase of MWCNTs content in EVA/CNTs
nanocomposites, an enhancement in electrical conductivity was observed.
