IMPACT OF ORGANO-CLAY (CLOSITE 20A AND MMT K-10 CLAY) ON MECHANICAL, MAGNETIC AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF PU/PS INTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORK

Abstract

In this paper, thin flexible sheets of polymer-Organo-Clay have been synthesized and studied for Mechanical, Magnetic and Dielectric Properties. For this, Closite 20A and MMT K-10 clay platelets & IPN (Interpenetrating Polymer Network) of Polyurethane (PU) and Polystyrene (PS) have been processed during In-situ polymerization has been reported.  Broad hump at about 10º-20º in X-ray diffraction data confirms non crystalline nature of polymer- Closite 20A and MMT K-10 clay platelets in in matrix of thin flexible sheets of PU/PS which has also been confirmed from FTIR spectroscopy. Uniform distribution of Filler (K-10 MMT Clay & Closite 20 A Clay Platelet) in matrix of PU/PS interpenetrating polymer has been analyzed from Microstructural analysis has carried out using scanning electron microscopy as well atomic force microscopy. The particle size of clay platelets of K-10 MMT Clay & Closite 20 A Clay has been calculated using transmission electron microscopy. The linear shaped Magnetization vs. Magnetic hysteresis confirms non-magnetic behavior of oil based polymer prepared using Castor oil (PU/PS) modified with Filler (K-10 MMT Clay & Closite 20 A Clay Platelet). Dielectric properties have been studied from ε'& ε" vs. Frequency profile recorded using impedance analyzer of Closite 20A and MMT K-10 clay platelets filled PU/PS interpenetrating polymer network. The improvement in mechanical properties has been described from increase in elongation at beak of PU/PS with Closite 20A and MMT clay platelets as organic filler. Presence of various bond due carbon and silicon which are essential components of organoclay and interpenetrating polymer network have been studied from FTIR spectroscopy.