An Investigative Study on the Structural, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Clay-Based PVC Polymer Composite Films

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the impact of pristine and surfactant-modified clays (montmorillonite, bentonite and vermiculite) on the thermomechanical properties of a poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) polymer film. Initially, clay was modified by employing the ion exchange method. The modification of clay minerals was confirmed by the XRD pattern and thermogravimetric analysis. Pristine PVC polymer film and clay (montmorillonite, bentonite and vermiculite)-based PVC polymer composite films were fabricated using solution casting. The ideal dispersion of surfactant-modified organo-clays was observed in the PVC polymer matrix due to the hydrophobic nature of modified clays. The resultant pure polymer film and clay polymer composite film were characterized using XRD and TGA, and their mechanical properties were determined using a tensile strength tester and Durometer. From the XRD pattern, the intercalation of the PVC polymer film was found in the interlayer of organo-clay while exfoliation or partial intercalation and exfoliation were observed for pristine clay mineral-based PVC polymer composite films. Thermal analysis indicated a lowering of the decomposition temperature of the composite film as clay promotes the thermal degradation temperature of PVC. Improvement in the tensile strength and hardness was found to be more frequent in the case of organo-clay-based PVC polymer films, which is only due to the hydrophobic nature of organ clays, resulting in greater compatibility with the polymer matrix.

Clay-reinforced PVC composites and nanocomposites

“…Despite such reports, the effect of clays’ surface modification by quaternary ammonium ions on the mechanical properties of PVC-clay nanocomposites is not conclusive. Kumari et al [ 149 ] reported the opposite observation of Yin et al in the previous example [ 113 ].…”

“…Such widened utility stems from their accessibility, cost-effectiveness, high specific surface areas, cation-exchange ability, and multilayered organization. Nanoclays have shown exceptional effectiveness as reinforcing agents in polymer-based nanocomposites, with minor incorporation of clay enhancing the physicochemical properties of the polymer structure [ 26 , 27 ]. The manufacturing of clay-based polymer nanocomposites can result in the development of intercalated or exfoliated structures [ 28 ], which enhance characteristics such as thermal stability, mechanical strength, and barrier efficiency [ 29 ].…”

Fabrication of Colored Polymeric Membrane Using Clay-Based Nano Pigments of Safranin O (SO) Dye

“…The weight loss due to the removal of organic species (i.e., surfactant molecule) was 12.77% over the temperature range of 130 °C−450 °C. A weight loss of 3.13% was observed between 450 °C and 800 °C due to the loss of the structural hydroxyl group within clay [34,35]. The TG curve of pure SO showed 3% weight loss between 30 °C and 200 °C, which was due to the physically adsorbed water.…”

“…However, the TG curve of OMt showed a lack of interlayer water and a substantial reduction in surface adsorbed water due to the presence of CPC, which further supports CPC intercalation into the clay interlayer and onto its surface. The weight loss due to the removal of organic species (i.e., surfactant molecule) was 12.77% over the temperature range of 130 • C−450 • C. A weight loss of 3.13% was observed between 450 • C and 800 • C due to the loss of the structural hydroxyl group within clay [34,35].…”

Simulation of effect of Nanoparticle dispersed PCM for Cooling of Photovoltaic Panels

“…In the case of active cooling techniques, an additional device with parasitic power consumption is used to cool the PV system. Active cooling techniques mostly comprises of forced air flow or water flow on front or rear surfaces of PV panels [13]. The amount of water required for water cooling makes it more complex and it is unsuitable for arid regions where water scarcity is an issue [14].…”