Investigation of the influence of processing conditions on the thermal, rheological and mechanical behavior of polypropylene nanocomposites

Abstract

The use of polypropylene (PP)‐layered silicate nanocomposite has attracted great interest in the polymer industry over the last years. On one hand, PP is widely used in many fields of applications because of good performance and cost. On the other hand, the major advantage of layered silicate nanofiller in the polymer matrix is the small amount of filler (<5 wt%) needed to enhance various properties such as Young's modulus. The most commonly used layered silicates are organomodified montmorillonite (MMT). In this study, a PP/organoclay nanocomposite, filled with layered silicate Nanofil SE3010 (1 and 5 wt%), provided by Rockwood Additives, USA, was used. The polymer nanocomposites were prepared via melt intercalation in a laboratory kneader. The compatibilizer (PP grafted with maleic acid anhydride) admixture content relative to the organoclay content (1 and 5 wt%) was chosen at a ratio of 1:1 (clay:compatibilizer). The influence of different processing conditions (rotation speed and residence time) on the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties and the interlayer distance was investigated. It was the target to determine whether a short and intensive or a long and soft process performs better. Different properties prefer different states of dispersion of MMT in the polymer matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers

Characterization of polymer nanocomposites based on layered silicates

“…This complies that the polymer chains in contact with the nanofiller develop a much higher Young's modulus than the polymer matrix around [53]. Mattausch et al [52] showed that the highest values of the Young's modulus are achieved with lower rotation speed, therefore low shear effect and the formation of stationary vortexes at the rotors. In these investigations, the residence time has marginal influence on the Young's modulus.…”

“…[51], the Rheotens tensile tester was connected to a corotating twinscrew extruder TSK 30/40D of Theysohn in combination with a melt pump. Mattausch et al [52] summarized two mechanisms for the improvement of the Young's modulus. The investigations were performed on two different screw geometries.…”

Preparation of Nanocomposites of Polypropylene with Carbon Nanotubes via Masterbatches Produced by In Situ Polymerization and by Melt Extrusion

“…Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used thermoplastics, with applications in several segments, such as in the automotive industry, electrical and electronics, construction, packaging etc. . In their formulation, materials based on PP usually contain inorganic reinforcing fillers in order to improve their properties …”

“…Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used thermoplastics, with applications in several segments, such as in the automotive industry, electrical and electronics, construction, packaging etc.. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] In their formulation, materi-als based on PP usually contain inorganic reinforcing fillers in order to improve their properties. [7][8][9][10][11][12] Carbon nanotubes are very resistant synthetic nanofillers and provide excellent mechanical properties. Polyolefin nanocomposites containing single wall (SWCNT) and multi-walled (MWCNT) carbon nanotubes have been extensively researched to increase the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of materials.…”

PAN Nanofibers Reinforced with MMT/GO Hybrid Nanofillers

“…It has been well explored for its potential application as nanofillers for improving the mechanical and thermal properties of the guest polymers [2][3][4]. However, it was found that while MMT can increase the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the host polymer, the elongation at break was considerably decreased [5,6].…”