Effect of organomodified nanoclay in poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50) and PHB/ENR-50 blend nanocomposites

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Date
2014-09
Authors
Salehabadi, Ali
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This treatise investigates the influences of alkyl ammonium organomodified montmorillonite (MMT) on the property profiles of biodegradable polyester, PHB, an epoxy modified natural rubber, ENR-50, and their respective PHB/ENR-50 blends. Several compositions of nanohybrids were prepared by dispersion of MMT nanolayers in polymer solution employing solvent casting technique. Surface morphology and interfaces characteristics of different nanohybrids were investigated using polarized optical microscopy (POM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Structural morphology over interfaces analysis indicated a proper distribution of MMT in polymer matrix by either reducing or complete dissolution of interface sizes and dimensions. Thermal stability and thermal transition of the systems were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG-DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. The thermal stability of different systems varied upon addition of MMT. MMT nanolayers exhibited either catalytic or barrier effect in thermal profiles of nanohybrids. The ability of silicate layers of MMT to interact via intercalation or exfoliation and also structural rearrangement of PHB crystals were investigated using X-ray diffraction analysis. The reflected peaks intensities and the basal spacing varied upon addition of MMT. The (020) and (110) orthorhombic crystalline planes of PHB have changed in position and d-spacing upon addition of both ENR-50 and MMT. FTIR spectra provide further evidence that supports the reaction possibilities through the hydrogen bonding and ring opening reaction of epoxy groups. The reaction mechanisms were proposed. The Kissinger plots showed that the nanohybrids exhibited a decrease in degradation activation energy (Ed). The nanomechanical study of these samples indicates changing in hardness (H) and elastic modulus (E) upon increasing MMT content in the sample.
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Organomodified Nanoclay
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