| Abstract: | The present work deals with the study of a composite based on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) which is treated with different concentrations of the silane coupling agent N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. The composites containing untreated Al(OH)3 and those treated with the coupling agent were prepared by melt mixing using a two-roll mill. Analysis of the treated filler by means of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the formation of oligoaminosilanes resulting from the condensation of the silane coupling agent. The tensile properties of the PVC/Al(OH)3 composite reflected the effect of the addition of the mineral filler and also the influence of the chemical treatment on the interfacial adhesion. The incorporation of aluminum hydroxide into PVC resulted in an increase of Young's modulus and the yield stress. From the calculation of a parameter B which was used to quantify the state of adhesion between the polymeric matrix and the filler, it was concluded that the surface chemical treatment of the filler with the silane coupling agent leads to higher reinforcement as a result of the interfacial interactions developed between PVC and Al(OH)3. |
