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PVC‐clay nanocomposites: Preparation, thermal and mechanical properties
Author(s) -
Wang Dongyan,
Parlow Daniel,
Yao Qiang,
Wilkie Charles A.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of vinyl and additive technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.295
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1548-0585
pISSN - 1083-5601
DOI - 10.1002/vnl.10292
Subject(s) - nanocomposite , thermogravimetric analysis , materials science , ultimate tensile strength , thermal stability , elongation , plasticizer , montmorillonite , polymer , composite material , polymer clay , organoclay , transmission electron microscopy , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , engineering
PVC‐clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending of the polymer with an organically modified clay, both in the presence and in the absence of di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP). The clay can serve as a plasticizer for PVC in the absence of DOP. The nanocomposites were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, and the materials were found to be largely intercalated. Thermal properties were evaluated by using thermogravimetric analysis, and the thermal stability was determined to be variable, depending upon the amounts of clay and DOP that were present. The fraction of polymer that remained at 600°C was significantly reduced in the presence of the clay, a result indicating that the clay had an effect on the course of the degradation of the PVC. The tensile strength of the nanocomposites increased as the fraction of clay increased, and the addition of a small amount of clay increased the elongation, but when additional clay was added, the elongation decreased.