Mechanical and thermal properties of rigid PVC and graphene nanocomposites obtained by melt–mixing

The effect of graphene (0.01, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 wt%) on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of rigid PVC was investigated. The morphology and thermal properties were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric thermal analysis (TGA). Additionally, tensile properties, impact strength and hardness were determined. It was found that the addition of graphene can increase the impact strength and hardness and extend the thermal stability time of PVC.