Effect of nano-CaCO 3 on mechanical properties of PVC and PVC/Blendex blend

Abstract

The effects of nanoscale calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO 3) particles on the mechanical properties of different ductile polymer matrices were investigated. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and PVC/Blendex (BLENDEX ® 338) blend were used as the matrix in this study. The nano-CaCO 3 particles were observed to be dispersed uniformly on the nanoscale in both PVC and PVC/Blendex blend by means of transmission electron microscopy. The impact strength, flexural modulus and Vicat softening temperature of PVC and PVC/Blendex blend were significantly enhanced after addition of 0–15 phr nano-CaCO 3, but the tensile properties of the two matrices showed different changes in the presence of nano-CaCO 3. The yield strength and elongation at break of PVC could be increased by the addition of nano-CaCO 3, while those of PVC/Blendex were decreased. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed that the addition of nano-CaCO 3 led to an increase in storage modulus and glass transition temperature for both PVC and PVC/Blendex blend.