Effect of epoxy resin on rheology of polycarbonate/clay nanocomposites

Polycarbonate/clay nanocomposites (PCNs) were prepared by melt intercalation using epoxy resin as a compatibilizer. The intercalated structure of PCNs was investigated using XRD and TEM. The linear and nonlinear dynamic rheological properties of PCNs were measured by the use of a parallel plate rheometer. The results reveal that the presence of epoxy influences rheological behavior of PCNs significantly. Addition of epoxy can improve dispersion of clay, enhancing the low-frequency viscoelastic responses; while high loadings of epoxy lead to a severe degradation of PC matrix, decreasing the high-frequency responses together with the plasticizing effect of excessive epoxy. Both of these two effects result in invalidity of time–temperature superposition. Moreover, all samples show high sensitivity to both the quiescent and large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) deformation, despite enhanced percolation of tactoids due to the compatibilization of epoxy.