Mechanical properties and rheological behavior of poly(butylene terephthalate)/clay nanocomposites with different organoclays

Abstract

Poly(butylene terephthalate)–clay nanocomposites with three different organically modified clays were prepared via melt blending in a twin-screw extruder. Decyl triphenylphosphonium bromide, hexadecyl triphenylphosphonium bromide, and cetyl pyridinium chloride were used to modify the naturally occurring montmorillonite clay. The organically modified clays were characterized with X-ray diffraction for the d001-spacing and with thermogravimetric analysis to determine the thermal stability. The prepared nanocomposites were injection-molded and examined for the dispersion quality of the clay, the mechanical properties, and the rheological behavior. The tensile strength of the nanocomposites increased with a 1% addition of clay; however, more clay decreased the tensile strength. Nanocomposites with finely dispersed clay platelets and nanocomposites with poorly dispersed clay platelets showed very different rheological behaviors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011