Synergistic effect of hybrid Halloysite nantube– Calcium Carbonate as a nanofiller in enhancing the mechanical properties of PVC composites

The effect of the presence of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and Calcium Carbonate (NCC) nanofillers on the mechanical, thermal, impact and after age properties of Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanocomposites was investigated. The optimum composition is achieved via different weight percentages of HNT and Calcium Carbonate nanoparticles, as well as the hybrid system of those nanofillers, were melt mixed with PVC (reference sample) using a twin-screw extruder. The morphology of the nanoparticles and polymer compositions was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It can be seen from the tensile test results, the mechanical properties, especially the modulus and tensile strength, of PVC composites were obviously reinforced with enhancing HNT and NCC amounts in it, indicating the interactions with appropriate strong between the nanoparticles with PVC chains. The mechanical properties, heat stability, loss of mass, and melt flow index (MFI) of the compositions were assessed. The tensile strength increases as a function of the amount of HNT nanofiller; however, the elongation at break decreases. In the case of the hybrid system of nanofillers, the compositions showed superior mechanical properties. It can be seen from the tensile test results, the mechanical properties, especially the modulus and tensile strength, of PVC composites were obviously reinforced with enhancing HNT amount in it, indicating the interactions with appropriate strong between the nanoparticles with PVC chains. The impact test of the reference sample and those of the corresponding sample with nanofiller composites were showed that the impact resistance of PVC was improved by the presence of HNTs and NCC nanoparticles.