Hi everyone. i am currently conduct an investigation on the flexural properties of the polylactic acid/polypropylene carbonate with the incorporation of 2,4, and 6 wt. % halloysite nanotubes. From my observation, the flexural modulus of the blends reduced when the blends incorporated with 2 wt.% of HNT. however, it increased back when the amount of HNT increased to 4 and 6 wt.%. My question is, why there is inconsistency in term of the patterns of flexural modulus?
Dear Intan Humaira
Generally, using more additive than optimum content causes the fibers to accumulate at one point and forms a weak point in the final product.
In order to make sure if this is a problem in your case, it is recommended to use a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for each specimen after conducting the tests.
It all depends upon the chemical compatibility between the polymer as well as the nanofiller. We can achieve higher compatibility i.e. enhanced by the chemical cross-linking between the filler and the matrix material which may result in higher strength, for example in some cases of CNTs used as fillers.
However, in clay composites, the heterogenicity is more and likely less compatibility with the matrix materials. This causes agglomerations which act as impurity and thus cause failure.
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