Non-isothermal crystallization of PCL/CLAY nanocomposites

In this work, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the crystallization behavior of nanocomposites based on polycaprolactone (PCL) reinforced with organo-montmorillonite (C20A) and organo-bentonite (B-THBP) under non-isothermal conditions. The effect of clay content (0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 wt.%) was analysed. Linear and non-linear regression methods were used to calculate theoretical kinetic parameters. The study was focused on the correlation between the non-isothermal crystallization process and the morphology of the clay inside the PCL matrix. Continuous cooling transformation diagrams were obtained by means of a mathematical model that involves both induction and growth of the crystal during cooling. For the construction of these diagrams, both crystallization steps, crystals induction (analysed by the induction time equation) and growing (studied by a crystal growth model), were considered.