Preparation and Characterization of PEG/PVP blend, with Sepiolite Clay as Compatibilizer

In this work, blend of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) were prepared. The prepared blend was then reinforced with the inorganic sepiolite clay (SC). All samples were prepared through solvent casting technique. The end-product (nanocomposites) was characterized for thermal stability, morphology, structure as well as the developed interactions among the ingredients. The x-ray diffraction data verified well intercalation and exfoliation of the clay in the polymer matrix. The compatibility and synergistic effects of sepiolite on the properties of PEG/PVP blend were deduced from the FTIR signals. The corresponding peaks shift from lower to higher frequency. The elemental composition of the nanocomposite was determined by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The obtained data reflects that addition of SC have synergetic effect on the properties of the polymer blends. (author)