Ultraviolet light aging properties of PVC/CaCO₃ composites

Abstract

Abstract The ultraviolet radiation aging behaviors of PVC/CaCO 3 and PVC/CaCO 3 /macromolecular modifier composites were studied through whiteness measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical properties test. It was found that nano‐CaCO 3 particles used as ultraviolet light screening agents could significantly enhance the antiaging properties of PVC materials. Due to the macromolecular modifier coated on nano‐CaCO 3 particles, the compatibility of nano‐CaCO 3 and PVC matrix was improved, resulting in uniform dispersion of nano‐CaCO 3 in PVC matrix. Therefore, the PVC/CaCO 3 /MP composite exhibited better antiaging properties than PVC/CaCO 3 composite. After 12 h of ultraviolet irradiation, the tensile strength retention, elongation at break retention, and impact strength retention of PVC/CaCO 3 /MP composite were 79.5%, 74.5%, and 75.3%, which were much higher than that of neat PVC and PVC/CaCO 3 composite. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013