| The effect of nanoclay and carbon black on the physical properties of different polymer matrices was examined in this study. Specifically, this work investigated the effect of filler shape, filler morphology, dispersion technique, and filler surface chemistry on the physical properties of the compounds. The prediction of certain physical properties of a nanocomposite by morphology changes within a particular filler was also determined. Compound and filler properties measured included impact, tensile, UV resistance characteristics, color, particle size, aggregate size, and dispersion.; This study found that in polypropylene the carbon black spherical filler shape seemed to outperform the nanoclay filler shape for all the physical properties, and in most instances outperformed the neat resin. In nylon, the carbon black and nanoclay nanocomposites were nearly identical in physical properties. The surface chemistry of the nanoclay seemed to be important to good dispersion in nylon. Filler particle size was found to be a key parameter for predicting the physical properties of the compounds, but for some physical properties the prediction was improved by including aggregate. A larger aggregate size typically improved the physical properties. This study also found that an internal mixer proved to be as efficient as a twin screw in dispersing nanoclays into polypropylene. |
