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Morphology, thermal stability, and dynamic mechanical properties of atactic polypropylene/carbon nanotube composites
Author(s) -
Yang Jun,
Lin Yuhan,
Wang Jinfeng,
Lai Mingfang,
Li Jing,
Liu Jingjiang,
Tong Xin,
Cheng Huiming
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.21206
Subject(s) - materials science , carbon nanotube , nanocomposite , polypropylene , composite material , nanotube , thermal stability , dynamic mechanical analysis , chemical engineering , polymer , engineering
Nanocomposites based on atactic polypropylene (aPP) and multiwall carbon nanotubes were prepared by melt blending at 80°C with a Barabender mixer. The morphology, thermal stability, and dynamic mechanical properties of the obtained composites were studied subsequently. SEM observations indicate that the nanotubes are well dispersed in the aPP matrix. Each nanotube is covered by a layer of aPP molecules. Thermal stability of the aPP in nitrogen is found to be enhanced significantly by the addition of nanotubes. Peak temperature of the DTG curve for the nanocomposite with 5 wt % nanotube loading shows about 70°C higher than that of pure aPP. Dynamic mechanical properties of aPP are also influenced by nanotubes, as shown by the increase in the storage modulus as well as significantly broadened loss tanδ peak. These effects of nanotubes on the thermal stability and mechanical properties of aPP are explained by the adsorption effect of the aPP molecules on the nanotube surfaces in this study. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 1087–1091, 2005