Synergistic effect of talc/calcined kaolin binary fillers on rigid PVC: Improved properties of PVC composites

Abstract

This study aims to develop poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites prepared by melt mixing by using a combination of talc and calcined kaolin as filler in order to improve the disadvantages of rigid PVC, which is widely used in industry, such as poor mechanical properties and low thermal stability. In addition, PVC/talc and PVC/calcined kaolin composites were also examined for comparison. The calcined kaolin is modified with urea to increase the surface area (chemical treatment), while the surface of both fillers is coated with stearic acid for good compatibility with PVC (mechanical treatment). Scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed homogeneous distribution of mechanically processed fillers. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed successful coating of the fillers with stearic acid. Also, new bands were detected in the spectrum of urea-treated calcined kaolin, showing an effective chemical treatment. It has been observed that the treatment of fillers improves the mechanical properties of PVC. Thermogravimetric results showed that delaminated calcined kaolin increased the thermal stability of PVC composites. The results of this study proved that binary filler composites combine good properties of both (synergistic effect) and good filler dispersion can be obtained by using stearic acid and urea.

Role of copper alumina nanoparticles on the performance of polyvinylchloride nanocomposites

“…Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the high‐strength thermoplastic polymers with paramount chemical stability, durability, formulating versatility, corrosion resistance, and cost‐effectiveness that make them potent candidates for automotive, construction and electronic applications such as flooring, bottles, pipes, indwelling catheters, fittings, and food packing. [ 1–4 ] Since PVC is more flexible and resistant to moisture than vulcanized rubber, it may effectively replace the latter. [ 5 ] However, their uses are restricted due to their poor mechanical properties, low stiffness, and instability to heat and light.…”

“…These properties are improved by combining PVC with various fillers, plasticizers, and stabilizers. [ 1,6 ] Shi et al reported the impact of plasticizer concentration and molecular structure on the flexural fatigue of soft PVC. [ 7 ]…”

“…[ 13 ] Various strategies for preparing PVC nanocomposites are one‐step polymerization, [ 14 ] melt mixing, [ 15 ] and solution blending. [ 16 ] Mallem et al [ 17 ] investigated the impact of PVC grafted maleic anhydride on the morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of PVC/alfa fiber composites. Ahmed et al [ 18 ] studied the spectroscopic and surface properties of transparent CdSe/ZnS/PVC nanocomposites.…”

“…Contact angle measurements of PVC with various loadings of Cu-Al 2 O 3 nanofillers demonstrated that the nanoparticle attachment increased the hydrophobicity of the polymer matrix.conductivity, contact angle, copper alumina, dielectric properties, mechanical properties, nanocomposites, PVC Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the high-strength thermoplastic polymers with paramount chemical stability, durability, formulating versatility, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness that make them potent candidates for automotive, construction and electronic applications such as flooring, bottles, pipes, indwelling catheters, fittings, and food packing. [1][2][3][4] Since PVC is more flexible and resistant to moisture than vulcanized rubber, it may…”

“…These properties are improved by combining PVC with various fillers, plasticizers, and stabilizers. [1,6] Shi et al reported the impact of plasticizer concentration and molecular structure on the flexural fatigue of soft PVC. [7] The common fillers used for the reinforcement of PVC are silicates, calcium carbonate, clay, and metal oxides.…”