Morphology,interfacial interaction,and thermal degradation of polycarbonate/MCM-41 (nano)composites |
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| Authors: | M. A. Sibeko M. L. Saladino E. Caponetti |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa;2. Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology - STEBICEF and INSTM UdR - Palermo, University of Palermo, Italy;3. Center of Large Equipment - ATeN Center, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy |
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| Abstract: | This article reports on the morphology, interfacial interaction, thermal stability, and thermal degradation kinetics of polycarbonate (PC)/mesoporous silica (MCM-41) composites with various MCM-41 contents, prepared by melt compounding. The composites with low filler loadings (<0.3?wt%) maintained their transparency because of the well dispersed MCM-41 particles, but at higher filler loadings the composites lost their transparency due to the presence of agglomerates. The presence of agglomerates decreased the thermal stability of PC due to the reduced effectiveness of the particles to immobilize the polymer chains, free radicals, and volatile degradation products. |
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| Keywords: | Mesoporous silica nanocomposites polycarbonate structure–property relationship thermal degradation |
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