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

alpha-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 alpha-MnO2 with the organic PVC matrix, the nanorods were modified with gamma-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (KH550). Nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared with different amounts of modified alpha-MnO2 nanorods (1, 3 and 5 wt%). FE-SEM and TEM characterization revealed that the alpha-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/alpha-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. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.