Isotactic polypropylene (PP) modified by ABS and CaCO3 nanoparticles: effect of composition and compatibilization on the phase morphology, mechanical properties and fracture behavior

Abstract

Attempt was made to improve the properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) by simultaneous incorporation of ABS and CaCO 3 nanoparticles. The goal was to achieve a balanced toughness and stiffness by the development of ternary PP/ ABS/CaCO 3 nanocomposite. The effects of compatibilization and composition on the phase morphology, mechanical properties and deformation behavior under impact loadings were systematically studied. The phase structure and mechanical properties of binary PP/ABS and PP/CaCO 3 systems was also investigated in detail to clarify the contribution of individual ABS and CaCO 3 components in the macroscopic response of ternary hybrid. It was found that the ABS could effectively toughen the PP matrix by the suitable compatibilization. Moreover, the CaCO 3 nanoparticles alone serve as stiffener and toughener in the material. Accordingly, the impact toughness of ternary PP/ABS/CaCO 3 nanocomposites was larger than those of compatibilized PP/ABS blend and PP/CaCO 3 system and, therefore, much higher than that of unmodified iPP. The mechanical properties and toughening mechanisms of different binary and ternary samples were rationalized by fractographic analysis. In the case of Izod impact-fractured samples, the characteristics of fractured surfaces were closely examined at the crack initiation and propagation stages of the impact fracture process.

The effect of compatibilizers and organically modified nanoclay on the morphology and performance properties of poly(acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene)/polypropylene blends

“…These resulting copolymers efficiently reduce the interfacial tension between two polymers, thus, also improve physical and mechanical properties of the blends . Momen et al found out that PP‐ g ‐MAH acts as an efficient compatibilizer in ABS/PP system and that ABS can effectively improve the impact toughness of iPP via proper compatibilization.…”