(6j) Influence of Cu-Cr Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) on the Rheological Properties and Thermal Degradation Kinetics of PMMA Nanocomposites

Abstract: The objective of present work is to study the effect of Cu-Cr LDH on the rheological properties and thermal degradation kinetics of PMMA/Cu-Cr LDH nanocomposites. The PMMA nanocomposites with Cu-Cr LDH (1-5 wt%) were prepared by melt intercalation method. The rheological properties of PMMA/Cu-Cr LDH nanocomposites were characterized by parallel-plate rheometer at a fixed temperature of 200 ^oC. Viscoelastic parameters such as storage modulus, loss modulus and complex viscosity exhibit the change from primarily viscous to elastic behaviour as the temperature increased. The experiment results are interpreted by using a theoretical prediction of storage and loss modulus values developed by Einstein and Guth. The thermal degradation activation energy of the nanocomposites is determined by Coats-Redfern method. The enhanced thermal stability of PMMA nanocomposites is also confirmed by integral decomposition temperature (IPDT) compared with neat PMMA. Criado method is finally used to determine the degradation reaction mechanism.