In this work, studies are carried out to understand the crosslinking reaction of epoxidized natural rubber (50 mol% epoxy, ENR-50) by metal ion namely ferric ion (Fe³⁺, FeCl₃, ferric chloride). It is found that a small amount of FeCl₃ can cure ENR to a considerable extent. A direct interaction of the ferric ion with the epoxy group as well as internal polymerization enable the ENR to be cured in an efficient manner. It was also found that with the increased concentration of FeCl₃, the crosslinking density of the matrix increased and therefore, the ENR offers higher mechanical properties (i.e., modulus and tensile strength). In addition, the glass transition temperature (t_g) of ENR vulcanizate is increased with increasing concentration of FeCl₃. Moreover, the thermal degradation temperature (T_d) of the ENR-FeCl₃ compound was shifted toward higher temperature as increasing concentration FeCl₃.

This work analyzes the thermal degradation and mechanical properties of iron (Fe)-containing MgAl layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based polypropylene (PP) nanocomposite. Ternary metal (MgFeAl) LDHs were prepared using the urea hydrolysis method, and Fe was used in two different concentrations (5 and 10 mol%). Nanocomposites containing MgFeAl-LDH and PP were prepared using the melt mixing method by a small-scale compounder. Three different loadings of LDHs were used in PP (2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt%). Rheological properties were determined by rheometer, and flammability was studied using the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL94 (V and HB). Color parameters (L*, a*, b*) and opacity of PP nanocomposites were measured with a spectrophotometer. Mechanical properties were analyzed with a universal testing machine (UTM) and Charpy impact test. The thermal behavior of MgFeAl-LDH/PP nanocomposites was studied using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology of LDH/PP nanocomposites was analyzed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A decrease in melt viscosity and increase in burning rate were observed in the case of iron (Fe)-based PP nanocomposites. A decrease in mechanical properties interpreted as increased catalytic degradation was also observed in iron (Fe)-containing PP nanocomposites. Such types of LDH/PP nanocomposites can be useful where faster degradation or faster recycling of polymer nanocomposites is required because of environmental issues.