Poly(vinyl chloride)/clay nanocomposites: X-ray diffraction, thermal and rheological behaviour

The paper concentrates on poly(vinyl chloride) - PVC - from the point of view of structural characterisation of PVC/clay nanocomposites through X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic rheometric analysis. PVC plasticizer was mixed with clay, natural and organophilic, and the suspension was then compounded with other components. Two factors were followed: effect of shearing alone, and in combination with temperature. The type of filler and the method of composite preparation affect the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite, through delamination and exfoliation levels. The results showed that the thermal degradation is shifted towards higher temperatures for organophilic clays, compared to chemically untreated natural clay. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.