Morphology, mechanical properties and melt rheology of PLA/EVA blend reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles

Morphology, mechanical properties, and rheology of PLA/EVA (80/20) blend containing nano-SiC (0-3 wt%) were studied. SEM and TEM analyses revealed a fall in the size of EVA dispersed droplets upon the addition of nano-SiC to the blend, and nano-SiC particles were mainly distributed around the EVA droplets. Mechanical results showed a gradual increase in elastic modulus and yield stress with nano-SiC content in the nanocomposites, whereas the strain at break and Izod impact strength were steadily decreased. Rheological data demonstrated enhanced complex viscosity and storage modulus of the nanocomposites in a direct proportional to nanofiller loading, especially at low frequency region. The changes occurred in the various properties of the fabricated nanocomposites were interpreted in terms of alteration in phase morphology as well as the probable physical interactions between the components.