Processing and characterization of polycarbonate/clay nanocomposites

• Main Author: Koh, Winnie
• Other Authors: Aravind Dasari
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Material testing and characterization
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/66336
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study deals with the barrier and optical properties of polycarbonate (PC)/ clay nanocomposites, using different Cloisite® clay (C5 and C15) which prepared through various processing techniques. The outstanding thermal stability of the clay at 275°C, made it suitable candidate for the clay to exfoliate within the PC matrix to form uniform PC/clay nanocomposites. Thermal analysis revealed a slight increase in thermal stability of PC in the nanocomposites. The modulus of the nanocomposites were higher than neat PC and extruded PC. The optical transparency of PC has changed with addition of clay nanocomposites. Finally, the path of the gas diffusion has been divert into maze-like which resulted in the enhancement in the barrier property of the material. This work lays the foundation and provides knowledge for future development of clay incorporation for packaging industry.