Effect of organoclay on the morphology and properties of Poly(propylene)/Poly[(butylene succinate)-co-adipate] blends

The effect of organically modified clay on the morphology and properties of poly(propylene) (PP) and poly[(butylene succinate)-co-adipate] (PBSA) blends is studied. Virgin and organoclay modified blends were prepared by melt-mixing of PP, PBSA and organoclay in a batch-mixer at 190 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed a significant change in morphology of PP/PBSA blend in the presence of organoclay. The state of dispersion of silicate layers in the blend matrix was characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic observations. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed substantial improvement in flexural storage modulus of organoclay-modified blends with respect to the neat polymer matrices or unmodified blends. Tensile properties of virgin blends also improved in the presence of organoclay. Thermal stability of virgin blends in air atmosphere dramatically improved after modification with organoclay. The effect of organoclay on the melt-state liner viscoelastic properties of virgin blends was also studied. The non-isothermal crystallization behavior of homopolymers, virgin, and organoclay-modified blends were studied by differential scanning calorimeter. The effect of incorporation of organoclay on the cold crystallization behavior of PP/PBSA blends is also reported.