Rheological behavior and interaction of Polycarbonate/barium sulfate composites

The effect of microsized barium sulfate (BaSO4) on the rheological properties of Polycarbonate (PC) was investigated. The composite exhibits a reduced viscosity as compared to pure PC, indicating that use of barium sulfate is a new method to enhance the mobility of PC melts. Model calculation of this behavior was carried out according to a viscosity rheological equation. Values of model parameters were obtained and discussed. Other rheological properties were also determined, including frequency dependence of storage modulus and loss modulus. Analysis by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) shows that the barium sulfate fillers strongly interact with PC chains, with the type of interaction being determined.