Effects of Nanoclay on Morphology, Rheological, and Mechanical Properties of Polyvinyl Chloride/Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene

Abstract

In this work, PVC/ABS matrix reinforced with several organoclay concentrations were prepared by melt mixing process. The SEM and XRD tests were presented in conjunction with the mechanical and rheological properties of these nanocomposites. The XRD spectra showed an intercalated microstructure in the nanocomposites. Addition of up to 5 wt% organoclay to PVC/ABS blends led to nanocomposites with the rigidifying effect of organoclay and the toughening effect of ABS. The optimum mechanical properties were found in the blends with 5 wt% organoclay. A remarkable increase in the viscosity and non-terminal low frequency storage modulus was found for the nanocomposites.

Keywords:

• Morphology
• PVC/ABS/organoclay nanocomposite
• Rheology
• XRD