Abstract

Blending of two or more polymers offers a good possibility to modify thermoplastic material so as to improve
their properties. Polystyrene and high density poly(ethylene) (PS/HDPE) are two widely used commodity
plastics. In this study it is proposed to upgrade the blends by using low cost nano kaolinite clay, a layered type
alumina silicate. In order to generate high modulus and strength a polystyrene rich blend PS/HDPE (80/20)
was selected for the study. The prepared blends have been characterized for mechanical properties such as
tensile strength, tensile modulus etc. Effect of different organo groups grafted kaolin clays at various loadings
on mechanical and flow properties were studied. Effect of unmodified clay and modified clays such as amino
and dialkylsilane grafted clays were studied. The mechanical tests revealed that tensile properties increased
significantly after the addition of nanofiller in comparison to the pure blend. Modification of clay by organic
groups has led to better filler dispersion and wetting of matrix. Characterization of tensile fractured specimens
done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).