Influence of the filler-montmoryllonite processing on its dispersion and mechanical properties of MMT-PAN nanocomposites

Aim of this work was fabrication of a polymer-matrix nanocomposite based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and a layered silicate (phyllosilicate) - montmorillonite (MMT) as a nanofiller. Nanoparticles of the filler, which originated from a natural deposit, were subjected to a chemical treatment (ethylenediamine, MMT-amine) or thermal treatment (nanofiller carbonisation, MMT-amine -> MMT-carbo) which objective was to reach better compatibility between the matrix and the nanofiller. Influence of the treatment method on the nanofiller characteristics was determined by structure (XRD) and microstructure (SEM) analysis of MMT and its derivatives. MMT-PAN nanocomposites were produced by casting method. It was observed, that a form of the nanofiller affected dispersion efficiency of the nanometric phase within the polymer matrix, as well as the thermal stability of the nanocomposite. Mechanical tests (stretching) revealed better compatibility of an exfoliated nanofiller (MMT-carbo) with the polymer matrix, which resulted in increase of the nanocomposite strength.