Synthesis of Poly(propylene)/Graphite Nanocomposites by in Situ Polymerization

• Published in: Macromolecular symposia. Vol. 299-300; no. 1; pp. 48 - 56
• Main Authors: Montagna, Larissa Stieven, Fim, Fabiana de Carvalho, Galland, Griselda Barrera, Basso, Nara Regina de Souza
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley-VCH Verlag 2011; WILEY-VCH Verlag; WILEY‐VCH Verlag
• Subjects: Flakes; Graphite; graphite nanosheets; in situ polymerization; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; poly(propylene); Polymerization; Scanning electron microscopy; Synthesis
• ISSN: 1022-1360; 1521-3900; 1521-3900
• DOI: 10.1002/masy.200900133

This work presents the synthesis of polypropylene/graphite nanocomposites by in situ polymerization using the catalytic system C₂₀H₁₆Cl₂Zr (rac-ethylenebis (indenyl)zirconium(IV)) dichloride/Methyoluminoxane (MAO). 60 nm graphite nanosheets (GNS) were obtained by means of the chemical exfoliation, thermal and ultrasound treatment. GNS previously treated with MAO were added into the reactor at percentages of 0.3, 1.0 and 2.2% (w/w) in relation to nanocomposite yields. The morphology of graphite nanosheets and nanocomposites was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the structural properties of natural graphite flake (NGF), graphite nanosheets (GNS) and nanocomposites were observed through the X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).