Effects of organoclay modifiers on the flammability, thermal and mechanical properties of polycarbonate nanocomposites filled with a phosphate and organoclays

Jie Feng, Jianwei Hao*, Jianxin Du, Rongjie Yang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Polycarbonate was melt blended with solid bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate), and a series of organoclays. Effects of the organoclay modifiers on the flammability, thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were studied by limiting oxygen index, UL-94 burning test, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis. Although all the nanocomposites exhibit an intercalated-exfoliated morphology, they vary in the magnitude of intercalation revealed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Flammability of the nanocomposites is strongly related to the thermal stability rather than the morphology. Glass transition temperature (Tg) and mechanical properties are controlled by both the morphology and the affinity of the organoclays with the matrix. The modifier containing hydroxyl moiety has stronger interactions with the matrix but it can promote its degradation, thus the corresponding nanocomposite exhibits a better intercalated morphology, higher Tg, superior strength and modulus however a worse thermal stability and flame retardancy. An additional silane within the organoclays would make the organoclays more compatible with the matrix but be a steric obstacle to the intercalation of the matrix chains; however, flame retardancy of the corresponding nanocomposite is enhanced due to the flame retardant nature of the silane. Similarly, the modifier bearing two long alkyl tails shows stronger affinity with the matrix than the one bearing a single tail, but it would hinder the intercalation due to the steric effect. These establishments between organoclay modifiers and the properties of nanocomposites might be guidance for developing materials with practical applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)108-117
Number of pages10
JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability
Volume97
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2012

Keywords

  • Flame retardancy
  • Glass transition temperature
  • Mechanical properties
  • Polycarbonate nanocomposites
  • Thermal degradation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of organoclay modifiers on the flammability, thermal and mechanical properties of polycarbonate nanocomposites filled with a phosphate and organoclays'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this

Feng, J., Hao, J., Du, J., & Yang, R. (2012). Effects of organoclay modifiers on the flammability, thermal and mechanical properties of polycarbonate nanocomposites filled with a phosphate and organoclays. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 97(1), 108-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2011.09.019