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Flexural Properties of Polystyrene/Organo-Montmorillonite Masterbatch Composites

School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia Nibong Tebal 14300 Penang, Malaysia, shyang{at}eng.usm.my

Loo Yok Khim

School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia Nibong Tebal 14300 Penang, Malaysia

Ang Tze Kang

School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia Nibong Tebal 14300 Penang, Malaysia

In this study, a montmorillonite masterbatch (OMMT-MB) containing polystyrene and organo-montmorillonite was first prepared by extrusion processes. Subsequently, blending of polystyrene (PS) and montmorillonite masterbatch (OMMT-MB) was performed by the direct melt intercalation method using a twin-screw extruder followed by compression molding. The flexural and morphological properties of PS/OMMT-MB were characterized by flexural tests and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The flexural tests were carried out at two different testing speeds, i.e. 5 mm/min and 50 mm/min. The flexural modulus of PS increased significantly with the addition of OMMT. This is due to the reinforcement and stiffness of the OMMT-layered silicates. It is interesting to note that the flexural modulus of PS/OMMT-MB was higher than that of both PS and montmorillonite masterbatch (OMMT-MB). This indicates that the dispersion of OMMT in the PS was better and more homogeneous by using the montmorillonite masterbatch approach.

Key Words: polystyrene • montmorillonite masterbatch • blending.

This version was published on February 1, 2008

Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, Vol. 27, No. 3, 255-261 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0731684407083001


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