Influence of Carbon Nanoparticles on Thermal, Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Polypropylene Nanocomposites Modified with Vinyl Trimethoxysilane

• Published in: Macromolecular symposia. Vol. 368; no. 1; pp. 107 - 115
• Main Authors: Araújo, Rafael S., Oliveira, Renato J. B., Libório, Patrícia, de Fátima V. Marques, Maria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.10.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Carbon; crosslinked polypropylene; Crosslinking; grafted polypropylene; Grafting; Graphene; Nanocomposites; oscillatory rheometry; Polymerization; polypropylene; Polypropylenes; Rheological properties
• ISSN: 1022-1360; 1521-3900
• DOI: 10.1002/masy.201600011

Summary In the present study, masterbatch of polypropylene and graphene nanocomposite was obtained by in situ polymerization. Afterwards, this masterbatch was diluted in commercial PP matrix previously treated with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTMS), originating grafted and reinforced filaments. Then, this material was crosslinked in water at 90 °C through condensation of hydroxyl groups derived from grafted PP chains. These materials were evaluated according to their thermal, mechanical and rheological properties. The results showed that it was possible to graft and crosslink PP, however, crosslinking was hindered by the presence of graphene sheets in the polymer matrix. In non‐reinforced crosslinked polymer, an increase in complex viscosity was observed, showing that actually occurred crosslinking. Furthermore, the grafted sample has lower molecular weight compared to the commercial PP. The crosslinked sample reduced its Newtonian plateau.