Preparation, Characterization and Properties of Poly(vinyl chloride)/CaSO₄ Nanocomposites

Abstract

Poly(vinyl chloride)/CaSO₄ nanocomposites were prepared on Brabender plasticorder. Moreover, for comparison PVC/ commercial CaSO₄ composites was prepared. The amount of loadings of nano CaSO₄ and commercial CaSO₄ was in the range of 0–12 wt%. Nano CaSO₄ was synthesized by matrix-mediated growth technique. The size and shape of nano CaSO₄ were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). These PVC nanocomposites were then subjected to mechanical, thermal analysis on UTM, and TGA respectively. Morphology studies of PVC nanocomposites were done on scanning electron microscope (SEM). The morphology study showed that nano CaSO₄ get exfoliated and intercalated with the PVC matrix. Notched Charpy impact strengths of PVC nanocomposites was drastically improved compared to that of pristine PVC and commercial CaSO₄ composites. PVC/CaSO₄ nanocomposites showed higher values of tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength than PVC/CaSO₄ (commercial) composites. Impact strengths also gives some drastic dependence on nano CaSO₄ content and give a maximum value at certain CaSO₄ loadings.

Keywords:

• Mechanical properties
• Morphology study
• Nano CaSO₄
• Nanocomposites
• Poly(vinyl chloride)
• Thermal properties

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Authors are thankful to Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi for providing financial assistance to carry out this research work under FAST TRACK Young Scientist wide letter no. SR/FTP/ETA-58/2008.