Reinforcing and toughening of poly(vinyl chloride) with double-C 60-end-capped poly(n-butyl methacrylate)

Abstract

The reinforcing and toughening of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by double-C60-end-capped poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (FPBMAF) was investigated. It was observed that the storage modulus of PBMA is increased upon end-capping with C60. It was shown that the network-like structure of FBPMAF enables the polymer to retain its modulus at higher temperature. It was found that the end-capping of PBMA with C60 produces a stiffer, stronger, and tougher material. It was demonstrated that Pseudo-semi- interpenetrating polymer network (Pseudo-SIPN) based on FBPMAF and PVC with a low C60 content of 0.1 wt % was stronger and tougher than PVC. The results show that FPBMAF was a more effective filler for PVC than carbon black and nano-CaCO3.