Employing response surface approach for optimization of fusion characteristics in rigid foam PVC/clay nanocomposites

Abstract

Employing response surface methodology, the fusion characteristics of poly(vinyl chloride)/nanoclay (NC) composite foams have been considered for optimization. To achieve the highest level of fusion (i.e., the maximum fusion factor as well as the minimum fusion time), different compounds were prepared based on response surface methodology in which various formulation parameters were changed. Through the choice of four design parameters at three selected levels, a total of 31 formulations were designed to probe the effects of different amounts of NC, blowing agent, processing aid, and internal lubricant. In addition, a mathematical model based on fusion characteristics was developed from experimental measurements. The chosen parameters resulted in varying effects on fusion factor and fusion time. Accordingly, the fusion factor was increased by increasing the NC and calcium stearate content, while a different trend was correct with foaming agent and processing aid. In addition, an opposite effect was observed for the fusion times of formulations. The observed behavior is discussed in terms of the effects of constituents on transformation of poly(vinyl chloride) grains, the level of NC exfoliation, and development of rigid interfaces. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:51–59, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

PVC - clay nanocomposites: Preparation, mechanical and thermal properties

“…However because of its inherent disadvantages, such as low thermal stability and brittleness, PVC and its composites are subject to some limitations in certain applications. *Correspondence to: E. M. Sadek; e-mail: elham_sadek@hotmail.com Recently, the development of the polymer layered silicate nanocomposites may present a new way to improve the performance of PVC (Deka et al, 2011;Mansour et al, 2011;Moghri et al, 2017Moghri et al, , 2015Sadek et al, 2014) Various studies have shown that, selection of organic modifier (Sterky et al, 2010), premixing with plasticizer (Weiss, 2005)or premixing with another polymer (e.g. EVA ,TPU or PMMA) (Bakar et al, 2015;Liu et al, 2011 are able to minimize the extent of PVC degradation.…”

Detailed study on fusion characteristics of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposites: The comparison of using multiple regression analysis and artificial neural network

“…The measurement uses the fact that the resistance given by the test material against rotating blades in the measuring head is monitored as a measure of viscosity. The fusion evaluation method employed in the present study was based on that of Muller and the details of the plastogram features have already been described in our previous works . Here, the fusion quotient is defined as Q = B / A , where Q is the fusion quotient, B is the maximum torque after introduction of the dry blend (fusion peak) in N.m, and A is the minimum torque after introduction of the dry blend in N.m.…”

Optimization of fusion behavior of the nanocomposites based on poly(vinyl chloride)/poly(epichlorohydrin‐co‐ethylene oxide)/organoclay

“…Therefore, it is necessary to study interactive effects of the parameters on fusion of the PVC and obtain optimized levels of the parameters. Our recent reports have been focused on this subject and several statistical approaches including fuzzy logic‐based model , multivariable regression analysis (MRA) and artificial neural network , and response surface methodology (RSM) have been employed to achieve desired fusion characteristics of the PVC/NC nanocomposites. Saeb et al studied effect of the NC modifier on FT and FF of the PVC nanocomposites using RSM.…”