Solid mechanochemical preparation of core‐shell SiO2 particles and their improvement on the mechanical properties of PVC composites

AbstractIn this article, a solid mechanochemical route to prepare core‐shell structured particles was introduced. X‐ray photoelectron spectrum, transmission electron microscope and dissolving experimental results indicated the formation of [(inorganic particle)/(elastomer)] core‐shell structured particles. The thermal stable experiments showed that untreated SiO2 can cause dehydrochlorination of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and discoloration of PVC/SiO2 composites and the formation of core‐shell structured SiO2 particles will improve the thermal stability of PVC/SiO2 composites. The mechanical properties and rheological results showed that the formation of core‐shell structured SiO2 particles can both improve the mechanical and processing properties of PVC/SiO2 composite. ACR in PVC/(SiO2‐PMMA‐ACR) composites acted not only as toughener for PVC matrix but also as cushion breaker if the content of ACR is enough. Meanwhile compared with other SiO2 particles the formation of core‐shell structured SiO2 particles can decrease the apparent viscosity, increase the critical shear rate and improve the appearance of extrudes of PVC/SiO2 composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 938–948, 2008