Estimation of reinforcement in compatibilized polypropylene nanocomposites by extensional rheology

Abstract

Structural characterization in polymer nanocomposites is usually performed using X-ray scattering and microscopic techniques, whereas the improvements in processing and mechanical properties are commonly investigated by rotational rheometry and tensile testing. However, all of these techniques are time consuming and require quite expensive scientific equipment. It has been shown that a fast and efficient way of estimating the level of reinforcement in polymer nanocomposites can be performed by melt extensional rheology, because it is possible to correlate the level of melt strength with mechanical properties, which reflect both the 3D network formed by the clay platelets/polymer chains as well as final molecular structure in the filled system. The physical network made of silicate filler and polymer matrix has been evaluated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Extensional rheometry and tensile testing have been used to measure efficiency of the compatibilizer amount in a polypropylene-nanoclay system.

Characterization of polymer nanocomposites based on layered silicates

“…A successful use of this technique was described by Laske et al [50]. In this study, the elongational behavior of nanocomposite masterbatches prepared using different 4.3 Inline and online characterization compatibilizer admixtures is shown.…”

“…The tensile force applied to the wheels and the draw rate at break allows the calculation of the melt strength (stress at break σ b ) [50]: The rotation speed is linearly increased until the molten string breaks.…”

“…In Ref. This context was published by Laske et al [50]. The mass throughput was set constant to 10 kg/h with screw speeds between 100 and 300 rpm.…”

Characterization of the Orientation Parameters Around Crack Tips in Unfilled and Nanofilled Poly(propylene) Using in‐situ Synchrotron Small and Wide Angle Scanning Scattering Techniques

“…% nanoclay content. [18][19] For the structural characterization around crack tips, samples had to prepared by carrying out the following steps: first the granulated materials were pressed to plates with a thickness of 1 mm using a hydraulic vacuum press machine (Collin 200 PV, Dr. Collin Ltd., Ebersberg, Germany). Then rectangular pieces (50 Â 10 mm 2 ) were cut out of these plates.…”

Influence of the degree of exfoliation on the thermal conductivity of polypropylene nanocomposites

“…Nanocomposites are filled polymers whose particles are nanoscale in at least one dimension and exhibit significantly higher performance than commonly used fillers regarding higher elastic modulus, tensile strength, thermal resistance, lower gas and liquid permeability, reduced flammability, and enhanced rheological properties (e.g., increased melt stiffness). These attributes are easily attained with small amounts of filler [1–11]. Layered silicates (especially montmorillonite, MMT) are the most commonly used nanofillers as it is possible to achieve aspect ratios of up to 1000.…”