Polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/cellulose nanocrystal ternary blend nanocomposites: Effects of different parameters on mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of dynamic vulcanization, mixing sequence, and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) content on mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties of the polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer (PP/EPDM/CNC) ternary blend-nanocomposites was investigated. Significant reduction in tensile and yield strengths occurred for the un-vulcanized PP/EPDM blend compared to PP. Vulcanization and adding CNC have compensated for the decrease in tensile and yield strengths of the un-vulcanized blend. The tensile and yield strengths of the vulcanized samples had almost a slight uptrend by adding CNC. Elongation at break for both nanocomposites types had slight changes compared to that of PP/EPDM-thermoplastic vulcanizates and all of them were approximately in the range of 600%-700%. Adding CNC before or after vulcanization had the same effect on the trend of Young's modulus and the higher the amount of CNC, the greater the increase in Young's modulus. Incorporating and increasing the amount of CNC improved the impact strength of all samples, especially when added after vulcanization. Rheological measurements showed that vulcanization of PP/EPDM resulted in frequency independence of storage modulus and a more sharp increment in Complex viscosity. Also, the more CNC content, the more dramatic changes occurred in complex viscosity, especially in DV-CNC nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis showed that all samples had higher crystallinity which was more significant for Dynamic vulcanization (DV)-CNC nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscope images also indicated that the addition of CNC increased fracture surface roughness for all samples ignoring their preparation sequence.

Evaluation of specific total work of fracture in polypropylene/ethylene‐propylene diene monomer nanocomposites based on various graphene derivatives: Optimization by response surface methodology technique and correlation with microstructure properties

“…In addition, an upsurge in the EPDM content leads to a notable decline in Young modulus, tensile strength and yield strength and increase in elongation at brake, which is chiefly, rooted in the existence of high soft rubber droplets contents and of viscoelastic deformation characteristics of the EPDM in the prepared nanocomposites. [ 47 ]…”

Evaluating the mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties of poly (lactic acid)/silicone rubber blends reinforced with (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane‐functionalized titanium dioxide nanoparticles

“…To cope with this issue, nanomaterials are usually used. [36][37][38][39][40] However, the compatibility threshold is a vital subject that must be considered during the blending process. In other words, to enhance the effective interactions between the polymer phases in the interface region, there is a limit to the amount of compatibilizer used.…”

Environmentally friendly polypropylene/poly (trimethylene terephthalate) blend fibers: Resiliency and dyeability

“…[17][18][19][20][21] The blending technique is a valuable, versatile, and cost-effective method to prepare new high-performance materials, without the need to synthesize an entirely new polymer. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] It is worth mentioning that PP is immiscible with most thermoplastic polymers. To overcome this drawback, compatibilizers can be added to the system, thereby improving the dispersion state of incompatible components.…”