Effect of different amounts of modified talc on the mechanical, thermal, and crystallization properties of poly(butylene succinate)

Abstract

Abstract Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with different ratios of modified talc was prepared by twin-screw extruding. The effect of different loading amounts of talc on the mechanical, thermal, and crystallization properties of PBS was investigated. The mechanical test results indicate that the stiffness of the composites was increased linearly with increasing talc content, and the tensile strength and elongation stayed at relatively high levels when the talc amount is <15 phr. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of PBS composites was improved notably with a small amount (5–10 phr) of talc; however, high loading of talc did not help further improve the thermal stability. Differential scanning calorimetry data showed that the melting enthalpy (ΔHm), crystallization enthalpy (ΔHc), and crystallinity degree (Xc) decreased when the talc increased and crystallization temperature (Tc) was moving to relatively high values. The results of X-ray diffraction demonstrated that the incorporation of talc inhibited the PBS crystallization behavior significantly but did not change the crystal structure. Scanning electron microscopic studies indicated that the homogeneous dispersion and smoother fracture surfaces of the composite became inhomogeneous and coarse with higher talc loading.