Structure and Properties of Nanocomposites Based on Poly(butylene succinate‐<i>co</i>‐adipate) and Organically Modified Montmorillonite

Abstract Summary: Poly(butylene succinate‐ co ‐adipate) (PBSA) and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites of three different compositions were prepared by melt‐extrusion in a batch mixer. The structure of the nanocomposites was studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that revealed a coexistence of exfoliated and intercalated silicate layers dispersed in the PBSA matrix, regardless of the silicate loading. The degree of crystallinity of PBSA decreases with the addition of OMMT platelets. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed remarkable increase in flexural storage modulus when compared with that of neat PBSA. Tensile property measurements exhibit substantial increase in stiffness with simultaneous increase in elongation at break of nanocomposites as compared to that of neat PBSA. The effect of clay loading on the melt‐state linear viscoelastic behavior of mixed intercalated/exfoliated nanocomposites was also investigated. Elongation at break of compression molded annealed samples of neat PBSA and various PBSACNs. magnified image Elongation at break of compression molded annealed samples of neat PBSA and various PBSACNs.