Dispersion and evaluation of organically modified nanoclays as performance enabling fillers for pPVC synthetic leathers

Nanoclays (NCs), both organically modified (OMNCs) and purely inorganic, have been evaluated as performance enabling fillers for innovative and high-performance plasticized PVC (pPVC) synthetic leathers (SLs). First, a novel dispersion technology for nanoclays in plastisols has been developed and tuned, modifying and improving different procedures used in Vulcaflex SpA. Secondly, pPVC foils containing three different NCs have been prepared and tested for mechanical, thermal and flame, and anti-migration properties using both standard and internal methods. Results have been compared to those of a neat pPVC foil and, due to the expected flame retardancy improvements, of a foil containing 2 phr of antimony trioxide (ATO). Even though certain properties appear to be slightly improved, the overall performance of these NCs are not completely satisfying.