Polypropylene-organoclay nanocomposite: Preparation, microstructure, and mechanical properties

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 113; no. 2; pp. 922 - 926
• Main Authors: Shariatpanahi, H, Sarabi, F, Mirali, M, Hemmati, M, Mahdavi, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.07.2009; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; compatibilization; Composites; Diffraction; Exact sciences and technology; Fiber composites; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; organoclay; Polymer industry, paints, wood; polypropylene (PP); Polypropylenes; Technology of polymers; Clay; Mixing; Organic clay; Montmorillonite; Propylene polymer; Mechanical properties; compatibilization; Tensile property; Experimental study; Compatibilizer; Functional polymer; nanocomposites; Composite material; Propylene derivative copolymer; Thermal properties; Impact strength; Morphology; Concentration effect; Olefin polymer; organoclay; Nanocomposite; polypropylene (PP)
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.30018

A series of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites containing 2, 4, and 6 wt % of an organophilic montmorillonite clay was prepared via direct melt mixing in the presence of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MAH) as compatibilizing agent. Microstructure characterization was performed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Nanocomposites exhibited a 15 and 22% enhancement in tensile modulus and impact strength, respectively. The heat deflection temperature of PP nanocomposites was 36°C greater than for pure PP. Thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites were compared to properties of traditional PP-talc and PP-glass fiber composites. The results showed that the properties of nanocomposites improved compared to ordinary polypropylene composites.