Preparation and Properties of Nano-Calcium Carbonate Modified PVC Using Ultrasonic Irradiation

PVC/nano-CaCO₃ composites were prepared through ultrasonic irradiation. The optimum time of ultrasonic irradiation is 30 min. The fracture toughness of the nanocomposites was investigated by J-integral method based on the mechanical properties and morphology. Compared with corresponding nanocomposites and unfilled PVC, the prepared nanocomposites exhibit outstanding mechanical performances. The mechanical properties of spindly shaped CaCO₃ filled PVC are better than these of the cubic nano-CaCO₃, which are likely attributed to high aspect ratio of spindly shaped nano-CaCO₃. In addition, the mechanical properties of PVC/nano-CaCO₃ composites can be improved considerably when the content of nano-CaCO₃ is 5–15 phr. Ultrasonic irradiation realizes the excellent dispersion of nanoparticles in the PVC, and offers a new way to deal with the challenges encountered in preparing polymer/nanocomposites materials.