[en] (Nano)composites of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared by melt blending the polymer with natural Na+ montmorillonite and montmorillonite modified by hydrogenated tallowalkyl (HTA)-based quaternary ammonium cations, such as dimethyl 2-ethylhexyl HTA ammonium and methyl bis(2-hydroxyethyl) HTA ammonium. Microcomposites or nanocomposites were prepared depending on whether neat or modified montmorillonites was used, as assessed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanical and thermal properties were studied as a function of the filter content by tensile testing, Izod impact testing, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The rheological behaviour at 80 degreesC was also analysed in relation to the structure and content of the layered silicate. Effect of exfoliated silicates on the mechanical properties, thermal stability and flame resistance of PCL was considered. Stiffness and thermal stability improved with the filler loading until a content of 5 wt%. Further loading resulted in the levelling off and possibly in a decrease of these properties. A marked charring effect was observed upon exposure to a flame.
Research Center/Unit :
Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Disciplines :
Chemistry Materials science & engineering
Author, co-author :
Lepoittevin, Bénédicte; University of Mons-Hainaut (UMH) > Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (SMPC)
Devalckenaere, Myriam; University of Mons-Hainaut (UMH) > Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (SMPC)
Pantoustier, Nadège; University of Mons-Hainaut (UMH) > Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (SMPC)
Alexandre, Michaël ; University of Mons-Hainaut (UMH) > Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (SMPC)
Kubies, Dana; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Calberg, Cédric ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Jérôme, Robert ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Dubois, Philippe ; University of Mons-Hainaut (UMH) > Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (SMPC)
Language :
English
Title :
Poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/clay nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation: mechanical, thermal and rheological properties