Effects of some PVC‐grafted maleic anhydrides (PVC‐g‐MAs) on the morphology,and the mechanical and thermal properties of (alfa fiber)‐reinforced PVC composites

This work studied the poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) chemically modified with maleic anhydride (MA) through reactions in solution, using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. Quantities of the grafted MA were determined by the titration of carboxylic acid groups derived from the anhydride functions. Estimation of the grafted MA level was also performed by using IR absorbance ratio. Increases in reaction time led to higher levels of grafted MA. The effects of three different PVCs grafted with maleic anhydride (PVC‐g‐MAs) types on the morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of PVC/alfa (fiber) composites were examined. The interfacial properties between fiber and PVC were improved after the addition of PVC‐g‐MA, as was evident from SEM morphology study. Enhancements of the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the PVC‐g‐MA‐treated composites were strongly dependent on the amount of MA grafts. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:225–232, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers