Poly (1-Butene)/Clay Nanocomposites: A Crystallization Study

Nanocomposites of poly (1-butene) (PB)/clay were prepared by melt intercalation. Organically modified clay was used to facilitate the melt intercalation. The effect of modified layered silicate on crystallization, spherulitic structures and polymorphism of PB was investigated. Isothermal crystallization studies clearly indicate enhancement in crystallization rate by the clay. Incorporation of layered silicate in the polymer disturbs the spherulitic morphology as evidenced by optical microscopy. The crystallization of PB in the presence of layered silicates occurs in form II, similar to pristine PB. However, the phase transformation studies reveal that the phase transformation from form II to form I at room temperature takes place faster in the case of PB nanocomposites.