Abstract
Alpha manganese dioxide nanorods (α-MnO2) were successfully functionalized with stearic acid (SA) by solvothermal method to prevent agglomeration. The α-MnO2-SA nanorods were employed as a filler for the preparation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanocomposite (NC) films with different percentages (1, 3 and 5 wt%). The morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of the obtained NCs were investigated. The results showed that α-MnO2-SA can effectively improve the properties of PVC. The enhancement in properties of the NCs was attributed to the improved interfacial bonding by modification. Also, these NCs were used as adsorbent for removal of cadmium ions. Our finding suggests that the PVC/α-MnO2-SA NCs are good candidates for efficient Cd(ІІ) removal from the wastewater.