Improvement of surface energy properties of PVC nanocomposites for enhancing electrical applications

Nanotechnology strategy was, used in this work to improve the surface energy properties of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Different types (clay, ZnO, SiO2 and Al2OP3) and concentrations (1 wt.%, 5 wt.% and 10 wt.%) of nanoparticles were investigated. The morphology, dielectric constant, contact angle, wetting energy, spreading coefficient and work of adhesion were investigated for pure PVC and PVC nanocomposites. Tap and salt water were used to study the surface energy properties. The results revealed that the type and concentration of the used nanoparticles affect the properties of the obtained nanocomposites. The change of surface roughness, hydrophilic cites arrangement and dipole/dipole interactions by the change of the type and concentration of the used nanoparticles were the main reason for improving the surface energy properties of PVC nanocomposites. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.