Investigation of Fusion behavior in the PVC/XNBR/Nanoclay Composites by RSM

Abstract

In this work, fusion behavior of PVC in the PVC/XNBR blends containing organoclay was investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). In fact, the individual and interactive effects of the three parameters including nanoclay content, rubber content, and rotor speed on the fusion factor and fusion time of the samples were evaluated. The results showed that increase in the rubber content and rotor speed promoted the fusion phenomenon, whereas a certain amount of the nanoclay is required due to selective localization of the Cloisite 30B in the XNBR phase. The interactive and contour plots revealed optimized levels of the parameters for obtaining maximum FF as well as minimum FT. Accordingly, by using high levels of the nanoclay and rubber contents, desirable fusion could be achieved. Also, for high loadings of Cloisite 30B, medium level of rotor speed is sufficient to obtain an appropriate response. It is suggested that affinity of the layered silicates to the components of PVC blends is the determining factor in individual and interactive effects of the nanoclay content on fusion. Since fusion characteristics play a key role in final properties of the PVC formulations, findings of this research are important from academic and industrial points of view.