The influence from adding nanoclay on the properties of a poly(vinyl chloride) plastisol microsuspension was studied. Two types of nanoclay were used, namely sodium montmorillonite and organophilic modified with quaternary ammonium salt, with both the method of clay swelling and clay concentration. Nanoclays at concentrations of 2.5, 5 and 10 phr, were previously swollen in the plasticizer under shear and temperature. Three plasticizers were used, viz. diisobutyl phthalate, diisononyl phthalate and ester polyglycolic. The plastisol was obtained by mixing the nanoclay with PVC, plasticizer diisononyl phthalate and other additives in a planetary mixer. Data analysis was performed with a statistical method, which allowed us to verify that the type of clay and its concentration affect the plastisol viscosity. The clay swelling method did not show significant influence on the plastisol properties.
PVC; poly(vinyl chloride); plastisol; polymer clay nanocomposites
