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Polypropylene/silica micro‐ and nanocomposites modified with poly(styrene‐ b ‐ethylene‐ co ‐butylene‐ b ‐styrene)
Author(s) -
Pustak Anđela,
Denac Matjaž,
Leskovac Mirela,
Švab Iztok,
Musil Vojko,
Šmit Ivan
Publication year - 2015
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.41486
Subject(s) - materials science , polypropylene , composite material , elastomer , composite number , morphology (biology) , ultimate tensile strength , copolymer , izod impact strength test , nanocomposite , styrene , nucleation , polymer , scanning electron microscope , chemistry , genetics , organic chemistry , biology
The effects of different silica loadings and elastomeric content on interfacial properties, morphology and mechanical properties of polypropylene/silica 96/4 composites modified with 5, 10, 15, and 20 vol % of poly(styrene‐ b ‐ethylene‐ co ‐butylene‐ b ‐styrene) SEBS added to total composite volume were investigated. Four silica fillers differing in size (nano‐ vs . micro‐) and in surface properties (untreated vs . treated) were chosen as fillers. Elastomer SEBS was added as impact modifier and compatibilizer at the same time. The morphology of ternary polymer composites revealed by light and scanning electron microscopies was compared with morphology predicted models based on interfacial properties. The results indicated that general morphology of composite systems was determined primarily by interfacial properties, whereas the spherulitic morphology of polypropylene matrix was a result of two competitive effects: nucleation effect of filler and solidification effect of elastomer. Tensile and impact strength properties were mainly influenced by combined competetive effects of stiff filler and tough SEBS elastomer. Spherulitic morphology of polypropylene matrix might affect some mechanical properties additionally. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132 , 41486.