Preparation and properties of PVC/EVA/organomodified montmorillonite nanocomposites

In this research, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/organomodified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites have been prepared and characterized for their structure, properties, and morphology. The blend nanocomposites were prepared through the melt mixing of PVC/EVA at weight ratios of 100/2.5, 100/5,100/7.5, and 100/10 with various amounts of OMMT (2, 4 and 6 phr) on a two-roll mill followed by compression molding. Before mixing with PVC and EVA, montmorillonite (MMT) was modified with octadecylamine via the cationic exchange reaction. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the nanocomposites formed were intercalated. Scanning electron micrographs of the fractured surface showed a reduction of EVA and OMMT distribution when more was added into the PVC matrix. In the present study, the OMMT of 2 phr dispersed in the 100 PVC/5 EVA matrix showed high potential on improving the impact strength of the nanocomposite. This may be due to the synergistic effect of the EVA and OMMT that enhanced the toughness of the nanocomposite.