The influence of illite on the crystallization and properties of isotactic polypropylene

Abstract

The iPP/illite composites with varied content of illite were prepared and the influence of illite on the crystallization kinetics, crystalline morphology, and mechanical property of iPP was investigated. It is found that the illite exhibits obvious nucleation ability toward iPP in its α‐form. A 1 wt% of illite leads to an increment of iPP crystallinity from 33% to 50%. Moreover, the crystallization of iPP has been accelerated remarkably. Tensile test shows that the addition of illite also improves the mechanical properties of iPP. A 1 wt% illite leads to an enhancement of modulus of iPP from 1.4 GPa to 1.9 GPa, whereas the tensile strength increases from 30.5 to 37.1 MPa. The above‐mentioned influence of illite on the iPP depends on its content. This has been correlated to the aggregation of illite in the iPP matrix with increasing amount, which reduces the aspect ratio and specific surface area of illite.

Effect of Illite on Crystallization of Poly(vinylidene fluoride)

“…For this issue, it should be pointed out that attention is paid predominately on the β-PVDF crystallization, ,,− whereas much rare on the formation of γ-crystals. , Moreover, the used clays for PVDF are mainly MMT. Illite, another layered aluminosilicate mineral, , also has many merits, such as abundant resources and low cost. However, its influence on the crystallization behavior and crystalline morphology of polymers is of less concern.…”

“…However, its influence on the crystallization behavior and crystalline morphology of polymers is of less concern. In our previous studies, its influence on the crystallization behavior of isotactic polypropylene, i.e., iPP, has been studied. , It was found that pristine illite is a good nucleating agent for α-iPP crystallization. By contrast, the illite modified by calcium pimelate becomes an excellent nucleating agent for β-iPP crystallization.…”

Effect of 3-Mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane Modified Illite on the Reinforcement of SBR

“…This may be able to endow the polymer composites with desired performance. Therefore, attempts for its application in thermal plastic polymer composites have been made [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. It has been proven that the addition of illite or modified illite can improve the thermal stability of high-density polyethylene and isotactic polypropylene (iPP), attributed to the excellent chemical stability of illite [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”