Thermally and organomodified montmorillonite as effective regulators of the structure formation process in polypropylene/polystyrene blends

Abstract

The influence of the concentration of thermally and organomodified montmorillonite on the processes of structure formation in a blend of polypropylene/polystyrene (PP/PS) was studied. It is established that in nanofilled compositions, as well as in the original, is formed a microfibrillar structure, the dimensional characteristics of which depend on the content of the additive and the method of its modification. The investigated clays by content (0.2–2.0) wt. % by weight of polypropylene have a compatibilizing effect in the blend of PP/PS, which reduces the average diameter of microfibers by 1.6 times and increases the homogeneity of their distribution by diameter: statistical indicators decrease (standard deviation, variance, coefficient of variation). The modifying effect of thermally modified clay is higher—the improvement of the dimensional characteristics of PP microfibers is achieved at its minimum content in the blend (0.2 wt. %). The formation of anisotropic PP structures in the PS matrix and the relaxation of the accumulated stresses at the exit of the molding hole is the main factor that causes high values of the coefficient of swelling of the extrudates (4.0–7.7). The change in the microstructure of the extrudates of nanofilled systems during spinning depends on the composition of the blend and the method of modification of montmorillonite. The average diameters of microfibers decrease from 2.2 μm (in the original blend) to (1.3–2.0) μm (in three-component) depending on the content of additives. The ability to regulate the microstructure of incompatible polymer blends by introducing additives of thermally and organomodified montmorillonite will contribute to the creation of nanocomposites with controlled morphology, as well as new fine-fiber materials with improved filtering characteristics.

Effect of Acid Modification on Porous Structure and Adsorption Properties of Different Type Ukrainian Clays for Water Purification Technologies

“…Clay minerals are one of the most common, environmentally tolerant, highly dispersed natural materials that are widely used in various industries [Bergaya and Lagaly, 2013]. They are effectively used as fillers in polymer compositions to improve their mechanical characteristics [Arbelaiz et al, 2021], increase resistance to elevated temperatures [Lima et al, 2021], and adjust the composition structure in situ [Budash et al, 2022]. Due to the specific layered structure, large Effect of Acid Modification on Porous Structure and Adsorption Properties of Different Type Ukrainian Clays for Water Purification Technologies surface area of particles, porosity, presence of active centers, high cation exchange capacity, clays are also actively used in water purification technologies as adsorbents for the removal of dangerous chemical products of organic and inorganic origin [Uddin, 2017;Kausar et al, 2018].…”

Morphology and physico-mechanical properties of poly (methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene/polypropylene ternary polymer blend and its nanocomposites with organoclay: The effect of nature of organoclay and method of preparation

“…It is well recognized that both rheological behavior and the physico-mechanical properties of polymer blends are determined by their morphology. [1][2][3][4][5] Controlling the morphology of multiphase systems with the aim of tuning their final properties for certain applications has been a major drive in this field of research. For instance, the last two decades have witnessed extensive research on ternary blends, especially those with core-shell type morphology.…”