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Effect of montmorillonite modification on the behaviour of polyamide/polystyrene blends
Author(s) -
Kelnar Ivan,
Rotrekl Jakub,
Kotek Jiří,
Kaprálková Ludmila
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.2475
Subject(s) - montmorillonite , materials science , polystyrene , polyamide , phase (matter) , nanocomposite , toughness , modulus , glass transition , polymer blend , composite material , chemical engineering , polymer , chemistry , copolymer , organic chemistry , engineering
BACKGROUND: In nanocomposites with multiphase matrices, the addition of layered silicate not only has a reinforcing effect, but also changes significantly the morphology, namely the size and the structure of the dispersed phase. In this paper, we focus on systems with polyamide 6 (PA6)/polystyrene (PS) matrices. The effect of clay was studied over the whole composition range together with the simultaneous variation of basic parameters influencing the structure and mechanical behaviour, i.e. the clay treatment type and mixing protocol. RESULTS: At all compositions, remarkable refinements of both particulate and co‐continuous structures by clay were found. This effect and a significant shift of the glass transition temperature of blend components were more pronounced for clay with less polar treatment as a result of distinct localization of clay in the interfacial area (due to its lower affinity for PA6 phase). An increase in modulus was found at all compositions, whereas strength and toughness were enhanced at low PS contents only, as a consequence of small particle size and enhanced interfacial bonding. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented indicate that nanosilicates can effectively influence the structure and properties of PA6/PS blends. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry