PVC/CaCO3 Nanocomposites: Influence of nanoparticle surface treatment on properties

The influence of nanosized calcium carbonate on the gelation process, thermal stability and mechanical properties of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) has been studied. The gelation time of rigid PVC/calcium carbonate nanocomposites depends on the percentage and superficial treatment of CaCO3. The results of thermogravimetric analysis underline an improvement of the thermal stability as a function of the surface modifier. Finally, the flexural modulus, the flexural strength as well as the critical stress intensity factor increase with the addition of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or poly(butadiene-co- acrilonitrile-co-acrylic acid) (PBAA) coated nanoparticles.