MEASUREMENTS OF RHEOLOGYCAL AND MECHANICAL-, THERMO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PVC/CORN COB FOAM COMPOSITE

In this paper, the modification of PVC/Corn cob blends was investigated. Rheological and diffusion properties of blends are important to learn the behavior of blend's in molten state, because it will provide information necessary for the processing. Nowadays, the development of biomaterials has become a primary goal for material engineers. Using materials from natural sources gives an option to modify PVC structures and properties. The following mechanical properties of the prepared composite were determined; tensile-, bending strength and hardness. The PVC/Corn cob blends have increased impact strength and the other mechanical properties can be improved as well. The relationship between the morphology and properties of the foam were also investigated. The result of DSC and dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the blends form a partially compatible system. The rheological analysis showed that the PVC composite with corn cob could be processed and recycled using regular thermoplastic processing systems.