Mineral filler effect on the mechanics and flame retardancy of polycarbonate composites: talc and kaolin

Mineral fillers (MFs) have been widely employed for polymer hybrid composites to enhance mechanical properties for the past few decades. In this study, we explored structural impacts of kaolin and talc on the mechanical, heat-resistant, rheological and flame retardant (FR) properties of the polycarbonate (PC) composites. The incorporation of these fillers into the polymer matrix enhanced mechanical properties like flexural and tensile modulus while elongation at break, impact strength and melt flow index (MFI) were reduced as a function of filler concentration. The heat deflection temperature (HDT) was slightly increased with increasing talc content. Infiltration of even 5 phr fillers dramatically enhanced the flame retardancy. Talc showed somewhat higher mechanics and FR characteristic, compared to kaolin. These PC/filler hybrid composites with enhanced mechanics and flame retardancy would be useful for a specific application by tailoring their ratios.