Biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites prepared by direct melt intercalation

Intercalation-exfoliated nanocomposites derived from poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) and organo-modified montmorillonite (OMMT) were prepared by direct melt blending in an internal mixer. The nano-scale dispersion of the OMMT layers within the PPC matrix was verified using wide angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy technologies. Static mechanical properties were determined by using a tensile tester. The PPC/OMMT nanocomposites with lower OMMT content showed an increase in thermal decomposition temperature when compared with both pure PPC and the composites prepared from un-modified MMT. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that nano-scale OMMT dispersed well within PPC matrix and therefore enhanced the storage modulus of the composites.