Development and Characterization of Organoclay-Filled Polyoxymethylene Nanocomposites for High Performance Applications

The present work focuses on the preparation and characterization of organo-modified fluorohectorite (OFH) clay filled polyoxymethylene (POM) nanocomposites by melt mixing method. The dispersion of OFH clay in the polymer matrix was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The surface properties of the nanocomposites, assessed by contact angle measurements, showed increase in hydrophobicity relative to the neat polymer. From the measured contact angle values, various surface parameters such as total surface free energy, interfacial free energy, work of adhesion, spreading coefficient, and Girifalco-Good's interaction parameter were calculated. The thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites were found to be improved by the incorporation of OFH clay into the POM matrix. The aging studies of the nanocomposites carried out by immersing the samples in various solvents showed an increase in the retention of mechanical property by the addition of OFH clay into the POM matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 32:1315-1324, 2011. (C) 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers