SiC-fixed organophilic montmorillonite hybrids for poly(phenylene sulfide) composites with enhanced oxidation resistance

SiC-fixed organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT@SiC) hybrid particles, with various proportions of SiC, were fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly in the presence of CTAB. Then, their PPS composites were prepared by melt-compounding. The results showed that the oxidation resistance and mechanical properties of PPS/OMMT@SiC composites was enhanced. When SiC content reached 5 wt%, the oxidation induction temperature of the PPS/OMMT@SiC composite achieved its maximum 513.1 degrees C, which was 40.9 degrees C higher than that of pure PPS. Meanwhile, the oxidation induction time of the obtained composite achieved a maximum of 25.2 min. These enhancements were attributed to the existence of the SiC, which prevented the aggregation of OMMT and facilitated OMMT to be further exfoliated in the PPS matrix. The sulfur atoms of PPS formed chemical bonds with SiC, meanwhile, a part of the surface hydroxyl groups of SiC formed hydrogen bonds with PPS, thus weakening the oxidation activity. OMMT and SiC effectively postponed the thermal oxidative degradation of PPS due to synergistic effects.