Clay-reinforced PVC composites and nanocomposites

Clay-reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites and nanocomposites are one of the newest and most important compounds studied and used in various applications, including the biomedical, automotive industry, water treatment, packaging, fire retarding, and construction. The most important clays used in the synthesis of these composites are Bentonite, Montmorillonite, Kaolinite, and Illite. The addition of these nanoclays to the PVC matrix improves mechanical properties, thermal stability, and yellowness index properties. In this chapter, a detailed study of PVC and its properties, types of nanoclays and their properties, modification of nanoclays, production methods of composites, and nanocomposites of PVC/clay, their characterization, and applications have been performed. Herein, the types, properties, and applications of PVC/clay nanocomposites, as well as their challenges and future remarks, are reviewed.