The role of plasticizer on the exfoliation and dispersion and fracture behavior of clay particles in PVC matrix: a comprehensive morphological study

The clay nanoparticles are readily dispersed and exfoliated in the PVC matrix with the help of Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) plasticizer. X-ray, TEM and AFM analysis of the nanocomposites indicate that there is an optimum concentration of DOP for the process. If used in high concentrations, the ability to transfer forces to the clay particles through the polymer matrix decreases due to substantial decrease in viscosity. The individual platy...