Composites of poly(vinyl acetate) filled with calcium carbonate: microscopy. diffractometry and thermophysical properties

Calcium carbonate (CaCO sub 3 ) is used as filler in poly(vinyl acetate)(PVAc) composites to enhance the mechanical properties. The filler is often commercially surface treated with stearic acid to optimizie the interfacial bonding and wetting. The effects of the interface on properties were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of films with initial and deformed morphologies. Plasticizing additives cause a significant change in the appearance of the films and reduction in the glass transition temperature of the matrix from 40 deg C to approx =18 deg C, which was not altered by further addition of the filler. A PVAc composite fracture surface shows the particles adhering well to the matrix, suggesting good adhesion and reinforcement. The SEM study is complemented by WAXD, SEM/X-SEM, XPS, and thermal analysis.