The Extent of Filler's Organo-Modification and the Resulting Morphology and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Poly (ε-caprolactone)/Clay Nanocomposites

Abstract

The development of polymer/clay nanocomposites has attracted significant attention in recent years due to the exceptional physical property improvements that these materials often exhibit, at relatively low filler loadings [1]. In order to achieve these benefits, efficient dispersion levels of the reinforcing agent is a prerequisite, so that the high aspect ratio and surface area of the clay particles are fully utilized and the resulting nanocomposite properties are isotropic. In general, the inorganic filler neither has good interaction with the organic polymer to achieve good dispersion, nor adequate adhesion, and, as a result, surface organic treatments are common [2]. Organic modifier’s packing density within the silicate galleries is a very important factor regarding the dispersibility of the clay into the matrix and the properties of the final hybrid material. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of the surfactant concentration on the thermo-mechanical behavior of poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocomposites. Hybrids were prepared by the addition of montmorillonite modified by various concentrations of hexadecylammonium cation. Dispersion of the organomodified clay into the polymer matrix was achieved by the melt intercalation technique. The structural characteristics of the as-prepared composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction and their thermal properties were studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The influence of the amphiphilic cation concentration on the material’s mechanical properties was explored in tensile loading conditions