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Preparation and characterization of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate)–organoclay nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Mook Choi Won,
Wan Kim Tae,
Ok Park O,
Keun Chang Yong,
Woo Lee Jin
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.12702
Subject(s) - organoclay , nanocomposite , materials science , montmorillonite , thermal stability , microstructure , intercalation (chemistry) , crystallization , ultimate tensile strength , chemical engineering , copolymer , transmission electron microscopy , polyamide , composite material , polymer , polymer chemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , nanotechnology , engineering
This study describes the microstructure and thermal and mechanical properties of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHB/HV)–organoclay nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation using Cloisite 30B, a monotallow bis‐hydroxyethyl ammonium‐modified montmorillonite clay. X‐ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy analyses clearly confirm that an intercalated microstructure is formed and finely distributed in the PHB/HV copolymer matrix because PHB/HV has a strong hydrogen bond interaction with the hydroxyl group in the organic modifier of Cloisite 30B. The nanodispersed organoclay also acts a nucleating agent, increasing the temperature and rate of crystallization of PHB/HV; therefore, the thermal stability and tensile properties of the organoclay‐based nanocomposites are enhanced. These results confirm that the organoclay nanocomposite greatly improves the material properties of PHB/HV. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 525–529, 2003