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In the construction industry, the large number of residues presents a challenge for recycling and the possibility of producing new materials. This study reported the effects of the addition of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) residues and cement/alumina trihydrate on the production of a fire‐resistant thermal‐acoustic insulation material. The composites were verified by scanning electron microscopy, the polyurethane (PU) cells were maintained with the addition of PVC, cement, and trihydrate alumina. The reduction in compressive strength for boards with 50% PVC waste as a replacement for the PU raw material. The boards showed the composites' conductivity coefficient was lower than that of the perforated brick and combustion deceleration up to flame extinction in the flammability test (UL94) because of the PVC/cement/alumina trihydrate. They also presented cost savings (~57%) and carbon dioxide emissions (~49%) from the raw material, contributing to developing a less predatory and socio‐environmentally responsible industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of stearic acid treatment on the crystallization, morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/montmorillonite (Mm) nanocomposites were investigated. Stearic acid was used as a new surface modifier for Mm, and also small amounts of this acid were used as a new interface modifier. Nanocomposites containing 1.5, 2.5, 5, and 10% in weight of the unmodified and modified Mm were prepared by melt blending. The tensile and impact properties of nanocomposites were evaluated. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction was used to study both the generated PP β crystals and the dispersion state of the nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimeter was used to detect the melting and crystallization behavior of the samples. The toughness of some nanocomposites was higher than the pure PP. β phase of PP was observed with the addition of Mm. Stearic acid favored the dispersion of the nanocomposites when used as interface modifier. Nanocomposites with better dispersion exhibited crystallization temperatures similar to pure PP. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1-9, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]