Mechanical properties and rheological behavior of poly(butylene terephthalate)/clay nanocomposites with different organoclays

Poly(butylene terephthalate)–clay nanocomposites with three different organically modified clays were prepared via melt blending in a twin‐screw extruder. Decyl triphenylphosphonium bromide, hexadecyl triphenylphosphonium bromide, and cetyl pyridinium chloride were used to modify the naturally occurring montmorillonite clay. The organically modified clays were characterized with X‐ray diffraction for the d₀₀₁‐spacing and with thermogravimetric analysis to determine the thermal stability. The prepared nanocomposites were injection‐molded and examined for the dispersion quality of the clay, the mechanical properties, and the rheological behavior. The tensile strength of the nanocomposites increased with a 1% addition of clay; however, more clay decreased the tensile strength. Nanocomposites with finely dispersed clay platelets and nanocomposites with poorly dispersed clay platelets showed very different rheological behaviors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011