Polypropylene‐based nanocomposite with improved mechanical properties: Effect of cellulose nanofiber and polyrotaxane with partial miscibility

Abstract

The mechanical properties and miscibility of polymer‐based composites containing cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and polyrotaxane (p‐rtx) as organic fillers were studied in detail. CNF and p‐rtx were introduced as powders into a polypropylene (PP) matrix, and composites were prepared using a simple melt‐compounding method. The best mechanical properties were achieved when CNF and p‐rtx were loaded at a concentration of 0.6 wt%. The Young's modulus of the composite increased by 760 MPa compared with that of the PP matrix. In addition, the presence of mica in the composite promoted the epitaxial growth of PP along the (1 3 0) plane. The various shifts in the melting/crystallization temperatures of the composites prepared at different CNF:p‐rtx ratios confirmed the partial miscibility between the fillers and the matrix. The enhancement in the mechanical properties of the composite is believed to be due to the miscibility of the surfaces of aggregates of the organic fillers with PP and the uniform dispersion of the organic fillers in the matrix.

Sustainable Engineered Designs and Manufacturing of Waste Derived Graphenes Reinforced Polypropylene Composite for Automotive Interior Parts

“…8 However, due to its inadequate impact performance and low modulus, the PP matrix is primarily combined with calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), clay, silica, or talc to improve its mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties. 9,10 In particular, talc, characterized by its layered structure of magnesium silicate, serves as both a reinforcement and a cost-saving element in PP composites while improving their toughness. 11 The reinforcing effect of talc could be notably observed up to 20 wt % loading.…”

“…Over the past decade, the automotive sector has made pioneering innovations in environmental sustainability which involves optimizing material choices for lightweighting and durability. , The shift toward advanced materials for lightweight and high-strength characteristics has driven the adoption of polymer composites as alternatives to traditional metal parts, aligning with broader sustainability goals. − Polypropylene (PP) is extensively employed as a polymer matrix in polymer composites due to its low density and cost, favorable processability, remarkable thermal stability and chemical resistance, and recyclability. , Additionally, PP shows great compatibility for reinforcement or blending with various polymeric materials or organic/inorganic additives . However, due to its inadequate impact performance and low modulus, the PP matrix is primarily combined with calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), clay, silica, or talc to improve its mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties. , In particular, talc, characterized by its layered structure of magnesium silicate, serves as both a reinforcement and a cost-saving element in PP composites while improving their toughness . The reinforcing effect of talc could be notably observed up to 20 wt % loading. , Guerrica-Echevarria et al proved the increased Young’s modulus, with nearly a 40% enhancement in modulus observed for each 10% increment in talc content, by using injection-molded PP composites containing 10, 20, and 40% talc .…”