Nanostructure, Thermal Stability, and Mechanical Properties of Poly (vinyl chloride)-clay Nanocomposites

Poly(vinyl chloride)-clay nanocomposites are a new kind of engineering materials with dramatic improvements in physical, mechanical and thermal properties when compared to virgin PVC or its conventional filled composites. This is due to homogeneous nano-scale dispersion of layered silicates of montmorillonite (MMT) of clay in polymer matrix. In this review paper, the preparation methods of these nanocomposites are categorized. The nanostructure, thermal stability and mechanical properties of PVC-MMT nanocomposites are comprehensively studied and compared with pure PVC. The effect of clay and plasticizer content, and type of compatiblizer on the above mentioned properties is also reviewed. Since MMT is naturally available, economic, and environmentally friendly, the PVC-MMT nanocomposites are expected to have numerous applications in industrial fields.