Abstract
A PVC nanocomposite has been obtained by exploiting the exfoliation of Na–bentonite in water and the fact that vinyl chloride is usually polymerised as a water suspension or emulsion. An exfoliated clay aqueous dispersion is prepared and blended with PVC latex before the latter is dried, leading to intimate mixing and the desired morphology. The nanocomposite has useful properties in PVC paste applications, exhibiting shear thinning rheology, improved thermal stability and transparency. Possible applications are mainly for plasticised PVC but also rigid applications such as pipes, profiles or films. The PVC nanocomposite also shows good dispersion in plasticiser and may be used instead of a paste resin, so extending the range of PVC pastes towards very high plasticiser ratios. These plastisols have been shown to be more stable against sedimentation or decantation during storage and very soft articles can be produced by coating technologies. The very high low shear viscosities make it possible to produce thick films in only one coating step.
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