PVC/α-MnO2-KH550 nanocomposites: Studies on Morphology, thermal, mechanical and Pb(II) adsorption properties

It is accepted that the poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) has low thermal stability and is brittle. To improve these limitations and achieve desired properties, nano-fillers should be uniformly distributed in polymer matrix [1,2]. α-MnO2nanorods have been synthesized through a simple method without the presence of catalysts and templates. The prepared nanorods were employed as fillers to retrofit and increase the mechanical strength, thermal stability and adsorption properties of PVC as one of the most important thermoplastics. To prevent accumulation and increase compatibility of α-MnO2 with the organic PVC matrix, the nanorods were modified with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550). Nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared with different amounts of modified α-MnO2nanorods (1, 3 and 5 wt%)(Figure 1). The results indicated that PVC/α-MnO2-KH550 NCs exhibit better thermal stability, tensile and self-extinguishing properties than pure PVC in three weight percentages. The obtained results of adsorption revealed that the NC films could be used for the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous medium.