Dynamic-mechanical investigation of melt compounded Poly(butylenterephthalate)/organoclay nanocomposites

Nanostructured materials constituted by neat or opportunely toughened polybuthylene terephtalate filled with a commercial organoclay were analysed to asses their potential use in the automotive field. In particular, hybrid systems including 3-6% by weight of a commercial organomodified montmorillonite (Cloisite) in presence or not of a toughening agent such as an engineering thermoplastic elastomer (Pibiflex) and obtained by melt intercalation were considered. All materials were characterised in terms of dynamic-mechanical properties. Results clearly proved that the optimization of the formulation composition allows to achieve a considerable improvement of the ultimate damping performances.