Abstract
For filler-polymer systems, the ultimate importance of interfacial interactions between fillers and polymers lies in improving morphological developments and properties of composites. In this work, sepiolite fiber (SEP)/polyoxymethylene (POM) is formulated through melt extrusion processing, with the aim of promoting the crystallization and overall performance of POM. Results show that hydrogen bonding prevails between SEP hydroxyls and POM C-O-C groups. Thus SEP fibers are dispersed uniformly in the POM matrix due to interfacial interactions between these two components. During the isothermal crystallization process, POM nuclei originate and grow on the SEP surface, resulting in decreasing spherulite sizes and facilitating the POM crystallization. Meanwhile, the crystallinity of POM is increased from 48.3% to 54.1% by the addition of 5 wt% SEP. Noteworthily, mechanical and thermostability performances of SEP/POM composites have been improved considerably by means of sufficient interfacial interactions, enhanced crystallization, and favorable physical properties of SEP. Maximum values of the tensile strength and modulus at 3.0 wt% SEP loading can reach 66 MPa and 2022 MPa, respectively higher than those of neat POM.
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