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Polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites are prepared using different grades of PP, compatibilizers, and organically modified clays. The melt intercalation of the PP is carried out in presence of a compatibilizer. The nanocomposites are characterized using various techniques for the structure and properties. X‐ray diffraction results indicate well‐defined structures. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates improved thermal stability of PP/clay nanocomposites. Isothermal crystallization studies carried out using differential scanning calorimeter illustrate enhanced crystallization of PP in all the nanocomposites. Optical microscopic study demonstrates that the nanocomposites can be crystallized at higher temperatures, exhibiting well‐defined birefringent structures. The dynamic mechanical analysis reveals higher storage moduli over a temperature range of −400C to 1200C for nanocomposites, and the extent of increase in the storage modulus is dependent on the type of compatibilizer used.

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Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a high performance polymer having low coefficient of friction, good abrasion resistance, good chemical resistance etc. It is used in shipbuilding, textile industries and also in biomedical applications. UHMWPE is processed by powder processing technique because of its high melt viscosity at the processing temperature. Powder processing technique involves compaction of polymeric powder under pressure and sintering of the preforms at temperature above its melting point. In this study, we report our results on compaction and sintering behaviour of two grades of UHMWPE with reference to the powder morphology, sintering temperatures and strength development.

ABSTRACT:The morphology and properties of polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites are described. The melt intercalation of organophilic clay was carried out with a single-screw extruder. The effects of two kinds of treatments of clay are discussed. Maleic anhydride (MAH)-grafted PP was used as a compatibilizer. The expansion of the intergallery distance of the clay was governed by the interaction between the clay treatment and the compatibilizer. In one case, the composites exhibited significantly reduced intensities of diffraction peaks, suggesting partial exfoliation of the clay layers, whereas for the second clay sample, expansion of the gallery height was noted. The mechanical properties of the PP/clay composites showed significant enhancement in their mechanical and thermal properties. About a 35% increase in the tensile modulus and about a 10% increase in the tensile strength were observed. The thermal degradation temperature increased from 270 to about 400°C as a result of the incorporation of clay, and the extent depended on the dispersion of clay in the composite. The most interesting outcome of this study was the changes in morphology for PP/clay composites, which are reported here for the first time. An optical microscopic study revealed that the PP/clay composites could be crystallized at higher temperatures than pure PP and that the morphology was remarkably altered because of the presence of layers of clay.