Blending and exfoliation of nanoclay for use as nanocomposite filler

Abstract

Thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposite films made by blending polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and different grades of nanoclay are presented. Mixtures of nanoclay and ethanol were prepared and blended to PVP to make films. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a widely used industrial surfactant, emulsifier and adhesive while nanoclay is a widely found mineral at the sites of volcanic eruptions. From the intensity plots in x-ray diffractometer (XRD), it was inferred that films made with lower clay content indicated better exfoliation in the solution. The storage modulus plots from dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) indicate that organically modified montmorillonite clay is better than the other grades of clay used. A Taguchi experimental design will be used to analyze the critical parameters in selection of clay in terms of properties and content. The results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated (1) good exfoliation and reinforcement at the nano level, (2) uniform dispersion of clay and (3) nanocomposite films with high glass transition temperature.