Production of PVC/α-MnO2-KH550 nanocomposite films: Morphology, thermal, mechanical and Pb (II) adsorption properties

• α-MnO2 nanorods were modified by KH550 as a coupling agent for surface modification.
• Modified α-MnO2 was used for fabrication PVC/α-MnO2-KH550 NCs.
• The thermal, mechanical and adsorption properties of NCs were studied.

α-MnO2 nanorods have been synthesized through a simple method without the presence of catalysts and templates. The prepared nanorods were employed as fillers to retrofit and increase the mechanical strength, thermal stability and adsorption properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as one of the most important thermoplastics. To prevent accumulation and increase compatibility of α-MnO2 with the organic PVC matrix, the nanorods were modified with γ-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (KH550). Nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared with different amounts of modified α-MnO2 nanorods (1, 3 and 5 wt%). FE-SEM and TEM characterization revealed that the α-MnO2 nanorods are in rod-like morphology with diameter of 40 nm and uniformly dispersed in the PVC matrix. Optical behavior, thermal stability, tensile and self-extinguishing properties of the obtained NCs was studied, respectively. Removal of Pb(II) ion from aqueous solution by NCs was also performed through the flame atomic adsorption spectroscopy analysis. The results indicated that PVC/α-MnO2-KH550 NCs exhibit better thermal stability, tensile and self-extinguishing properties than pure PVC in three weight percent. The obtained results of adsorption revealed that the NC films could be used for the removal of Pb(II) ions from the aqueous medium.

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