Poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/clay nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation:mechanical,thermal and rheological properties

摘要

(Nano)composites of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared by melt blending the plymer with natural Na~+ montmorillonite and montmorillonite modified by hydrogenated tallowalkyl (HTA)-based quaternary ammonium cations,such as dimethyl 2-ethylhexyl HTA ammounium and methyl bis(2-hydroxyethyl)HTA ammonium.Microcomposites or nanocomposites were prepared depending on whether neat or modified montmorilonites was used,as assesed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.Mechanical and thermal properties wee studied as a function of the filler content by tensile testing.Izod impact esting thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry.The rheological behaviour at 80degC was also analysed in relation to the structure and content of thelayered silicate.Effect of exfoliated silicates on the mechanical properties,thermal stability and flame resistance of PCL was considered.Stiffness and thermal stability improved with the filler loading until a content of 5 wt%.Further laoding resulted in the levelling off and possibly in a decrease of these properties.A marked charring effect was observed upon exposure to a flame.