Effect of Nanoalumina on Physical and Thermal Properties of Polypropylene-Glass Fiber Reinforced Nanocomposites

Abstract

The present study examines the effect of nanoalumina on the mechanical and thermal properties of glass fiber and elastomer reinforced PP/EPDM/GF/Al2O3 with an aim to develop suitable composite material for orthotics. In present study, PP/GF, PP/EPDM/GF composite and PP/EPDM/GF/Al2O3 nanocomposites with specific composition were fabricated using melt-blending technique. Prepared composites were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The mechanical characteristics including tensile strength, tensile modulus, notched Izod impact strength and elongation at break of the prepared composite were studied in accordance with ASTM guidelines. PP/EPDM/GF/Al2O3 composites showed the mechanical properties of PP/EPDM/GF/Al2O3 composites showed 62%, 145%, 15% and 165% enhancement in tensile strength, tensile modulus, notched Izod impact strength and elongation at break, respectively as compared to PP/GF composites. The mechanical properties and thermal properties of PP/EPDM/GF/Al2O3 were also compared with PP/EPDM/GF composites. The use of nanoalumina significantly and brilliantly balances the complimentary tensile and elongation properties in PP/EPDM/GF/Al2O3 composite, which is an essential requirement for fabricating composite material capable of being thermoformed to orthotic devices.