Abstract
The effects of urea and urea-modified halloysite nanotubes (HNT) on structure and properties of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) were evaluated using mechanical testing combined with FTIR, DSC, DMA, and various microscopic techniques. The results indicate important changes in mechanical behavior by urea-mediated interchain hydrogen bonding in PCL, whereas no linking between PCL and HNT in the related nanocomposite was found. As a result, the improved mechanical behavior of nanocomposites with urea-modified HNT was caused by combination of the matrix modification and urea-aided enhanced dispersion of HNT. The additives do not have any marked effect on PCL crystallinity. HNT increases and urea reduces the overall rate of crystallization. Both additives show a moderate nucleating effect.
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