Morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(butylene succinate) reinforced with halloysite nanotube

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/halloysite nanotube (HNT) nanocomposites were fabricated by melt compounding. The morphology of the nanocomposites was studied by scanning electron microscopy and the results showed that the HNT dispersed uniformly in the PBS matrix. The thermogravimetric analysis results showed that the addition of HNT decreased the decomposition temperature and activation energy, and thus accelerated the thermal degradation of PBS. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that HNT could serve as nucleating agent for the PBS, and thus increased its crystallization temperature and crystallinity. However, it was demonstrated by the X-ray diffractometry spectra that the incorporation of HNT did not affect the crystal form of PBS. Mechanical tests in flexure, tension, and notched Izod impact demonstrated that the strength and modulus of nanocomposites were increased by the addition of HNT without significant loss of ductility. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:847–855, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers