Thermal endurance evaluation of isotactic poly(propylene) based nanocomposites by short-term analytical methods

• Published in: IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 689 - 695
• Main Authors: Saccani, A., Motori, A., Patuelli, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.06.2007; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Activation energy; Electrical insulation; Energy measurement; Fluid flow measurement; Heating; Isotactic; Isothermal processes; Life testing; Mathematical analysis; Nanocomposites; Nanostructure; Stability analysis; Temperature distribution; Thermal degradation; Thermal resistance; Thermal stability; Thermogravimetric analysis
• ISSN: 1070-9878; 1558-4135
• DOI: 10.1109/TDEI.2007.369532

The thermal endurance of nanocomposites based on isotactic poly(propylene) filled with nanosilicates, is evaluated by a short-term analytical procedure. The procedure is based on oxidative stability measurements by isothermal thermogravimetric analysis in a pure oxygen flow, over the temperature range form 120 to 150 degC, and provides the activation energy of the thermo-oxidative degradation process. The activation energy values thus obtained were compared with those derived by scanning thermogravimetric analysis at different heating rates. The thermal endurance lines for the investigated materials can be drawn with the aid of a conventional life test, based on weight loss measurement as a function of aging time, according to the IEC 60216 procedure. A noticeable increase of the thermal endurance of the isotactic poly(propylene) based nanocomposite with respect to the unmodified polymer is found out.