ABSTRACT
Polybenzoxazine/plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PPVC)-fumed silica based flexible composites have been prepared by blending benzoxazine (BZ-a) monomer with PVC along with various other additives using a melt 76blending method. The fumed silica content varied from 0 to 20 wt%. The mechanical and thermal properties of the composite material were evaluated, and the microstructure was investigated through scanning electron microscopy. Addition of 3 wt% fumed silica in the composition showed higher mechanical properties as compared with other filled composites. It has been observed that the thermal stability of the composites increased with increasing amount of BZ-a and fumed silica in the compositions. The composite prepared with 20 wt% PBZ and 3 wt% fumed silica possesses very superior mechanical properties, good thermal stability, and easy processability. These results have been explained on the basis of formation of interpenetrating cross-linked structure of polybenzoxazine and partial reduction of plasticizing effect.
