Compatibilizing poly(vinylidene fluoride)/nylon-6 blends with nanoclay

Blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/nylon-6 (PVDF/N6) 30:70 were melt compounded with various organoclays directly or sequentially. The morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of the blend nanocomposites were investigated. It was determined that the degree of compatibilization induced by the nanoclay particles was dependent on the location of the particles and the degree of clay dispersion. The blend nanocomposite with the best mechanical properties had good dispersion of particles throughout the matrix (N6) and at the PVDF/ N6 interface. In this blend nanocomposite, the coalescence of PVDF domains was prevented, and the crystallization of the PVDF domains was suppressed, ultimately creating a blend nanocomposite that is stiffer, stronger, and tougher than the blend without nanoparticles.