Journal of Minerals & Materials Characterization & Engineering, Vol. 9, No.11, pp.985-996, 2010
jmmce.org Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
985
Morphological, Mechanical, Thermal, Electrical and Rheological Properties
of Polycarbonate Composites Reinforced with Surfaces Modified Mica
M. Rahail Parvaiz1, P. A. Mahanwar2, Smita Mohanty1 and Sanjay K. Nayak*1
1Laboratory for Advanced Research in Polymeric Materials, Central Institute of Plastics
Engineering & Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 024, India.
2Department of Polymer Engineering and Technology, University Institute of Chemical
Technology, Matunga, Mumbai -400 019, India.
* Corresponding Author: larpmcipet@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The mica fillers reinforced Polycarbonate (PC) composites were fabricated using compression
molding technique. The mica surface was chemically modified using vinyltrimethoxy silane and
3–Aminopropyltriethoxy silane. The properties of treated mica PC composites were examined in
terms of scanning electron microscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis, differential scanning
calorimetry and rheological behavior. The modified mica was observed to disperse more
uniformly than the unmodified counterpart. The tensile strength and modulus also improved with
treated mica filled PC composites. Polycarbonate (PC) / mica composites were prepared by twin
screw extruder at 250 °C. Rheological behavior of PC/mica composites was investigated. The
PC / mica composites were characterized by parallel plate rheometer system. As increasing the
mica particle size and the content, storage and loss modulus of the PC / mica composites were
increased.
Keywords: Particulate reinforced composite; Mechanical; Thermal; Rheological properties;
SEM
1. INTRODUCTION
Mineral particulate fillers are not only used in polymer composites as substitutes of a relatively
costly bulk material, but are also used to improve some properties of neat polymers. The
properties of the composites depend upon the characteristics of components, composition,
structure and interfacial interactions. The latter factor is affected by the size of the interface and
the strength of the interaction. Both, the interface and strength of the interaction could be
modified to improve the wettability and adhesion between the components by surface treatment
986 M. R. Parvaiz, P. A. Mahanwar, S. Mohanty and S. K. Nayak Vol.9, No.11
with different modifiers such as stearic acid, silane and titanate coupling agents. Silanes are by
far the most popular coupling agents for filler surface treatment [1]. Wetting of fillers and the
adhesion between the filler and the matrix is governed by the principles of the theory of adhesion
based on the surface energy properties of the filler and the matrix, respectively [2]. Surface
treatment with reactive silanes is one of the principal methods for converting mineral or
inorganic particulates or fibres into the materials bearing covalently bound functional groups,
capable of graft formation when used as fillers or reinforcement in the plastics compositions.
Performance of composites depends on the characteristics of the filler, but also on its dispersion
and polymer-filler interactions, and more specifically on the properties and thickness of
interphase between polymer and filler [3, 4]. It is well known that the final performances of the
composites depend upon the capabilities of the interphase to transmit the stress from the matrix
to the filler. Organosilane is a key element in engineering composites performances as it will
affect filler wetting and dispersion through surface energy modification but also allows an
optimization of the interphase design. The first challenge of processing a compound is the filler
dispersion and organosilanes are widely used in filled polymer composites to help the wetting
and dispersion of fillers [5]. The particle agglomerates have to be broken down into smaller parts
called aggregates. During mixing of the compound, mechanical shear induces dispersion and
distribution of the filler in the matrix. The mechanism for dispersion has been extensively
studied [6, 7]. It is well established that silane, due to its dual reactivity between inorganic and
organic functions plays a key role in filler dispersion improvement. The silane treatment clearly
decreases the dispersive and specific component of the surface energy but changes also filler-
filler, polymer-filler interactions and agglomerate packing properties [8, 9].
The rheological properties of polymer composites including viscoelastic (time or frequency- and
temperature-dependent) behavior are of practical importance in relation to processing and
characterizing the composite microstructure. The rheological behaviour depends on the material
microstructure, the state of the fillers dispersion, the aspect ratio and orientation of the fillers,
the interaction between fillers and polymer chains as well as filler-filler interactions. The
temperature not only inuences the rheological properties of the matrix but it also can affect the
state of dispersion of the composites via changes in the particle–particle interactions and in the
wettability of the fillers with the matrix.
Mica is a plate like crystalline alumino-silicate and has been widely used as reinforcing filler in
polymeric matrices due to its excellent mechanical electrical and thermal properties (10). The
commercial delamination of mica may be characterized as wet or dry according to whether the
delamination is carried out in a dry state as water. Wet grinding preserves the natural luster and
sheen of mica and is normally characterized by clean cut edges, high aspect ratios, smooth
surface, and ability to disperse easily [11]. The results of many experimental studies have shown
that the addition of mica to thermoplastic matrix improves the mechanical, thermal and dielectric
properties. Researches as reported that addition of mica to a polymer system results in significant
improvement in tensile strength and modulus. Ruofei et al [12] studied the effect of mica as filler
on polymer system and found significant improvement in flexural properties. Grace [13] reported
improvement in properties on incorporating mica into plastic.
Vol.9, No.11 Morphological, Mechanical, Thermal, Electrical and Rheological Properties 987
Polycarbonate (PC) possesses several distinct properties such as transparency, dimensional
stability, flame resistance, high heat distortion temperature, and high impact strength. Therefore,
it is an important and widely used engineering thermoplastic. However, PC exhibits high notch
sensitivity, and it is susceptible to crazing or cracking on exposure to various solvents.
Moreover, PC is relative soft and the surface of the polymer can be easily scratched [14]. These
disadvantages limit its use in some applications. The mechanical performance of PC can be
improved by the addition of fillers such as fly ash [15], or glass fiber reinforcements [16, 17].
It was shown that coupling agent improves the mechanical properties of mica filled
thermoplastics than their uncoupled counterpart [18–23]. Susan and Charles et al. [18] studied
the effect of treated mica on polypropylene composites. Newman and Meyer [19] and Verbeek,
[20] analyzed the effect of treated mica on polyolefins and found that the incorporation of
coupling agent led to significant improvement in Young’s modulus. Schreiber et al [21] observed
significant changes in rheological behavior on treating mica prior to compounding. Silane and
zirconate coupling agent treated mica also showed significant improvements in flexural and
dielectric strength, as reported by Collins and Kludt [22] and Pushpa et al. [23] respectively.
In this work, mica particles were introduced into PC compound, as a result of having hydroxyl
group on the surface, and vinyl trimethoxy silane (VTMO), AMEO silane were chosen as a
coupling agent to improve the properties of the PC/mica composites. The aim of work is to seek
the optimum content of the coupling agent content to be added into the mica for surface
modification by considering various properties such as morphological, rheological, mechanical,
thermal, electrical properties. The dispersion of modified and unmodified mica in PC matrix was
observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The purpose of this article is to investigate
the influence of the interaction between matrix and filler on rheological behavior for filled PC
composites.
2. EXPERIMENTAL
2.1 Materials
The commercial Polycarbonate (Lanax 123/R) was obtained from G E Plastic Ltd. Mumbai
India. Fillers wet grinded mica of particle size 44µm was supplied by Galaxy Corporation Pvt
Ltd., Mumbai India. The silane coupling agent used were vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMO,
Degussa) and 3–Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AMEO, Degussa), supplied by Aroma Chemical
Agencies Pvt Ltd; India.
2.2 Surface Modification of Mica
In order to obtain improved interaction between mica and PC matrix, the as-received mica fillers
were firstly subjected to surface treatment with vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMO) and 3–
Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AMEO) content was varied from 0 to 1.5 percent by weight (wt %)
of the mica. The silane solution was prepared by mixing with ethanol. For instance, for silane
content of 1wt%, 1g of the silane was mixed with 100 ml of ethanol, and then stirred for 30
988 M. R. Parvaiz, P. A. Mahanwar, S. Mohanty and S. K. Nayak Vol.9, No.11
minutes. 100g of mica were then added into the solution with a further 15 minute stirring, in
order to ensure a uniform distribution of the coupling agent on the mica surface. The treated
mica was then dried at 100±5°C for 12 hrs in an oven until a constant weight was achieved.
Similarly, 0.5 and 1.5 %wt of silane coupling agents on the ash surface were prepared by varying
the initial VTMO/AMEO silane contents for 100 g mica using the same procedure as described
above.
2.3 Composites Preparation
Polycarbonate, silane treated mica was predried at 80±5°C for 8 hrs prior to compounding. The
vinyl trimethoxysilane treated mica (20wt%) were added to PC. The composites were prepared
by using melt mixing in co-rotating twin screw extruder with 25:1 L/D ratio (M/S APV Baker,
UK, and Model: MP19 PC.). The temperature profiles in barrel were 125, 200, 260, 275, 280°C
from feed zone to die zone. The screw length to diameter ratio (L/D) was 25:1 and screw speed
of 40 rpm. The extrudates were water cooled at room temperature, pulled, and palletized. The
palletized granules of PC mica composites were predried at 80 ±5 °C for 8 hrs. Test specimens
were prepared from compression molding in a sheet mold of 180 x 180 x 3 mm3 using machine
from M/s. Sterling hydraulic Co. Ltd, Mumbai, India. Temperature of mold plate was 280±5 °C
with cycle of time 15 mins, breathing was done after 5 mins with an interval of 1 min and then
kept at 280±5 °C temperature and pressure and cooled to 40 °C under continuous hydraulic
pressure of 180 kg/cm2. Testing samples were prepared according to ASTM standards.
2.4 Mechanical Testing
Room temperature tensile properties, including tensile modulus, tensile strength and elongation
to break, were determined in accordance with the ASTM D638 taking specimens of dimensions
165 × 13 × 3 mm3. The tensile testing were carried out using Universal Tensile Testing Machine
(UTM) LR 50K from Lloyds Instrument Ltd. (UK) at a cross head speed of 50mm/min. Flexural
properties were measured using a three-point bending test method according to ASTM D790 and
were carried out on UTM LR 50K from Lloyds Instrument Ltd. (UK); with rectangular bars of
dimension 80 x 12.7 x 3 mm3. Tests were conducted at a jaw speed of 0.8 mm/min at room
temperature. Charpy impact test were performed using a 2.7 J pendulum and striking velocity of
3.46 m2/s on an Avery Denison Impact tester (model 6709), according to ASTM D256. The
specimen dimension was 127 × 12.7 × 3 mm3.
2.5 Dielectric Strength
The Dielectric Strength, according to ASTM D 149, was measured using Zaran Instruments
(India) with a 3 mm thick composite disc. The voltage was increased slowly and the voltage at
which the current penetrated the sample was noted. The configurations of the instruments were:
input: 240 V, 50 Hz, 1 PH; output: 0–50 kV; capacity: 100 mA; rating: 15 min.
Vol.9, No.11 Morphological, Mechanical, Thermal, Electrical and Rheological Properties 989
2.6 Limit Oxygen Index (LOI)
The LOI was measured as per ASTM D2863-77 using Dynisco Instrument (USA), with
specimen dimensions 70×6×3 mm3.
2.7 Rheological Properties
The melt rheology of PC as well as their composites was studied using rotational rheometer (RT
10, Haake, Germany). Oscillatory mode was used for rheological study using parallel plate
assembly with a sensor having diameter of 35 mm. The dynamic properties i.e. storage modulus,
G (Pa), loss modulus G (Pa) and phase angle, tan δ = G/ G as a function of frequency, ω (rad
/s) were measured. The frequency of oscillation was varied from 0.01 to 200 rad/s. The
rheological characteristics were measured at constant temperature of 280 °C; the samples were
predried at 80±5 °C before analysis of PC and its composites.
2.8 Morphological Examination
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies of fractured surface of tensile specimen were
carried out on Jeol (6380LA, Japan). Specimen was sputter coated with gold to increase surface
conductivity. The digitized images were recorded.
3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
3.1 Microstructure Characterizations
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs were used to examine the morphologies of
PC filled with AMEO/VTMO silane treated and untreated mica. A pure PC had a relatively
smooth morphology; the morphologies of the fractured composites changed dramatically, and
very rough surface was observed. In Figure 1 shows VTMO Silane treated mica/PC composite
SEM micrographs shows that mica coming out from the PC matrix. A dark circle region clearly
depicts the interaction between the matrix PC and mica. The mica particles encapsulated in the
PC matrix shows strong interfacial adhesion between the treated mica and PC. When comparing
the untreated mica with AMEO/VTMO Silane treated mica, improved interaction with matrix PC
were observed which have been subsequently corroborated with the mechanical findings
discussed below.
3.2 Mechanical Properties
Figure 2a enumerates the room temperature tensile modulus of the PC treated mica composites.
The tensile modulus of both unmodified and modified mica filled PC composites shows a
linearly increasing trend with the increasing concentration of silane content. Moreover, the
tensile modulus values of the VTMO silane treated mica filled PC composites are higher than
those of the AMEO silane treated mica PC composites. It was described above that the modified
mica would make denser and more uniform dispersion and less agglomeration in the PC matrix.
990 M. R. Parvaiz, P. A. Mahanwar, S. Mohanty and S. K. Nayak Vol.9, No.11
Accordingly, it is convinced that the denser and uniform dispersion and the less agglomeration of
the fillers should play a more effective role in the enhancement of the tensile modulus. As for the
tensile strength performance of the resulting PC composites, as shown in Figure 2b, there are
extremes at the filler content of 20 wt% for both the unmodified and modified mica filled PC
composites. The tensile strength increases with increase in concentration of coupling agents up to
1 and 2 wt% of VTMO silane. Higher concentration (5 wt %) of coupling agents showed a
decrease in tensile strength. In AMEO silane treated mica the tensile strength increased up to 2
wt % of silane and then decrease but in VTMO silane treated mica tensile strength increased up
to 1wt% then dropped. Comparing the effect of the surface treatment with VTMO silane on the
tensile strength, it is shown that there is significant difference between the modified and
unmodified mica filled PC composites.
Fig. 1. SEM micrographs taken from the fractured surface of tensile specimens, showing the
adhesion between mica (20 wt%) fillers in the PC matrix: (a) unmodified mica, (b) modified
mica with 2wt% AMEO silane and (c) modified mica with 2wt% VTMO silane.
It was observed that elongation at break decreases as concentration of silane of increases. In case
of VTMO silane the rate decrease in elongation at break was more than AMEO silane. It is clear
Vol.9, No.11 Morphological, Mechanical, Thermal, Electrical and Rheological Properties 991
that the filler matrix interaction is definitely enhanced on the addition of coupling agents. The
elongation at break of 20 wt% loading of untreated and treated mica PC composite are shown in
Figure 2c. It was proposed that the inclusion of the inorganic filler into the polymer matrix could
reinforce the weakness of the polymer matrix, but it would sacrifice the ductility of the polymer
[24].
Figure 2d depicts the variation of flexural modulus of untreated and treated mica PC composites.
It is seen that flexural modulus increases with increasing concentrations of coupling agents up to
1 wt% of VTMO silane treated mica addition flexural modulus drastically improved 29 %
compared to untreated mica than after which 1 wt% flexural modules dropped. In case of
AMEO silane treated mica flexural modulus increased up to 1 wt% and then decreased. This
change in the phenomenon of variation in flexural modulus of treated and untreated mica
composites may be due to an increase in interfacial interaction of filler matrix due to
incorporation of coupling agents.
Fig. 2. Variations of: (a) Tensile modulus, (b) Tensile strength, (c) Elongation at break and (d)
Flexural modulus of the PC composites as a function of the silane content in wt%.
012345
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14 (c)
Elongation at break (%)
Silane content (wt%)
VTMO
AMEO
012345
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5 (a)
Tensile Modulus (G Pa)
Silane content (wt%)
VTMO
AMEO
012345
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
2.4
2.6
2.8
3.0
(d)
Flexural strength (GPa)
Silane content (wt%)
VTMO
AMEO
992 M. R. Parvaiz, P. A. Mahanwar, S. Mohanty and S. K. Nayak Vol.9, No.11
3.3 Dielectric Strength
Figure 3 depicts the variation in dialectic strength with varying concentration of coupling agents.
In VTMO Silane treated mica the dielectric strength increases as compared to AMEO silane of
PC mica composites which may be due to the proper encapsulation of filler particles of the
matrix which provides same continuity for current flow.
3.4 Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI)
The Limiting oxygen index (LOI) is the minimum percentage of oxygen in an oxygen-nitrogen
mixture that will initiate and support burring for three minutes [25]. LOI increased with the
increase in the concentration silane. The LOI increased 11% by incorporation of 5 wt% VTMO
saline treated mica thus decreasing the flammability of composites. In case of AMEO saline
treated mica increased up to 2 wt% and then remain constant at higher concentration (5 wt %) as
shown in Figure 4.
Fig. 3. Variations of: dielectric strength of the PC composites as a function of the silane content
in wt%.
Fig. 4. Variations of: LOI of the PC composites as a function of the silane content in wt%.
Vol.9, No.11 Morphological, Mechanical, Thermal, Electrical and Rheological Properties 993
3.5 Rheological Properties
3.5.1 Steady shear viscosity (η)
The results of the steady shear tests also confirm the effect of coupling agents. Figure 5
gives relationship of steady viscosity (η) and shear rate ( γڄ ) for composites exposed to
different surface-treatment. It can be seen that surface-treatment of fillers results in the change
of rheological behavior of composites, especially in low ω.
Fig. 5. Relationship between shear viscosity (η*) and frequency (ω) for composites exposed to
different surface-treatment
The virgin PC, the values of η of composites are higher than those of PC untreated mica and PC
treated mica composite, ranking as PC > 20 wt% mica > 2 wt% AMEO silane > 2 wt% VTMO
silane. Also, as compared with that of virgin PC, η of filled polymer presents the characteristic of
non-Newtonain fluids at lower shear rate γڄ and higher shear rate γڄ shows shear-thinning
behavior. The reason for this is owed to formation of an active organic mono-layer, induced
by the silane coupling agent. On the other hand, the mono-layer has the effect of
lubricant on the flow. Hence, the formation of chemical link between main chain in matrix
and fillers strongly improved the movement of PC chain, leading to lower η for 2 wt%
VTMO silane treated mica.
3.5.2 Complex viscosity (η*)
The η* is important for determining rheological properties. The real part of η* is an energy
dissipation term similar to the imaginary part of the complex modulus. The frequently
dependence on melt η* of VPC as well as 20 wt% mica, AMEO and VTMO silane treated mica
PC composites is shown in Figure 6. The typical Newtonain behavior of all samples can be
observed through decrease in η* with increase in frequency. The Newtonain behavior of the PC
and composites at high frequency is due to the impact of high frequency is due to the impact of
994 M. R. Parvaiz, P. A. Mahanwar, S. Mohanty and S. K. Nayak Vol.9, No.11
high frequency which results in weak filler matrix interface there by reducing the viscosity.
Incorporation of 20 wt% of mica in PC matrix decreases the viscosity which can be due to mica
flakes that increased segmental mobility of polymer chain. The change in viscosity of treated
mica PC composites due to enhanced of filler matrix interaction. The maximum improvement in
η* in observed in case of VTMO silane treated mica PC composites. Generally silane groups is
reach with the filler surface and polymer matrix and filler improved the movement of PC chain
leading to lower η* for VTMO silane treated mica PC composites.
Fig. 6. Relationship between complex viscosity (η*) and frequency (ω) for composites exposed to
different surface-treatment
3.5.3 Storage modulus (G)
In general, the increase of dynamic viscoelastic functions in the low frequency (ω) range is
related to the extent of heterogeneity for the filled polymers. The higher the G, the more
heterogeneous is the system. In other words, the better the value of G approaches that of the
virgin PC, the higher is the level of compatibility of the interface [29]. Figure 7 shows ω
dependence of G for AMEO and VTMO silane treated mica PC composites at 280°C. The
increase in G is mainly due to stiffness imparted by the mica that allows efficient stress transfer.
Further, addition of silane results in additional decrease in the modulus of the matrix polymer
thus indicating improved interfacial interaction between the mica and PC. However, G for
VTMO is lower than that of AMEO silane treated mica, especially in low ω. It is well accepted
whether the slope of logG vs logω at low ω is close to 2 or not, as defined in rheology, is
responsible for the existence of heterogeneous or homogeneous structure in multi-component
polymers (26, 27). Accordingly, the results above indicated that the surface-treatment of fillers
improved the interaction between PC and mica; and furthermore, with respect to the
improvement of interface compatibility between filler and PC matrix, the effect of VTMO silane
was more effective than that of AMEO silane.
Vol.9, No.11 Morphological, Mechanical, Thermal, Electrical and Rheological Properties 995
Fig. 7. Relationship between dynamic storage modulus G and frequency ω for composites
exposed to different surface-treatment
4. CONCLUSION
The modified mica filled PC composite shows better interaction in mica/ PC matrix more
uniform filler dispersion, and it appears the smaller inter-planer spacing of the PC phase.
However, the unmodified mica filled PC composites do not reveal this effect. The modified mica
filled PC composites exhibit higher tensile strength and modulus values than those of the
unmodified ones. The reinforcement of modified mica increase flexural modulus by 29% at 2
wt% VTMO silane and 23% at 2wt% AMEO silane respectively. The 2 wt% concentration of
VTMO silane is found to be optimized in PC mica composites on the basis of mechanical
properties. The PC composite filled with the VTMO silane treated mica would show higher
dielectric strength and LOI at the filler contents of interest as compared with those of the AMEO
silane treated mica, suggesting that the better interaction of filler and matrix, well dispersion of
the mica could reduce its domain size and make more improvement on the stiffness of the PC
matrix. The change complex viscosity (η*) and dynamic modulus (G) of the composite and PC
matrix, especially those for systems treated with silane, which was attributed to the interfacial
adhesion enhancement. In overall performance VTMO silane treated mica showed better
reinforcement properties than AMEO silane treated mica.
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