Processability, morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of rigid PVC composites with liquid macromolecular modifier-coated CaCO3

Abstract

Rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/CaCO3 and PVC/liquid macromolecular modifier (LMM) coated CaCO3 (PVC/LCC) composites were both fabricated by melt mixing. The processability, micro-structure, dynamic mechanical behavior and mechanical properties of PVC/CaCO3 and PVC/LCC composites were studied by using torque rheometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and universal mechanical testing machine. The results showed that the synergistic effect of LMM and CaCO3 particles accelerated the plasticization of PVC resins. The processability of PVC/LCC composites was improved. The dispersion of LCC in PVC matrix was improved by the modification of CaCO3 particles with LMM. The Tgs of PVC/LCC composites were enhanced by filling with LCC. Because of the synergistic toughening of LMM and CaCO3 particles, the PVC/LCC composites exhibited excellent notched impact properties at the optimum value of LCC particles content. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1286–1292, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers