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Synergistic Effect of Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles and a β‐ N ucleating Agent for the Improvement of the Mechanical Properties of a Propylene/ E thylene Random Copolymer
Author(s) -
Papageorgiou Dimitrios G.,
Vourlias George,
Bikiaris Dimitrios N.,
Chrissafis Konstantinos
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.201300320
Subject(s) - materials science , crystallinity , copolymer , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , nanocomposite , maleic anhydride , nanoparticle , chemical engineering , dynamic mechanical analysis , dispersion (optics) , polymer , amorphous solid , methacrylate , polymer chemistry , composite material , nanotechnology , organic chemistry , chemistry , physics , optics , engineering
In the current study, neat (SiO 2 ) and methacrylate‐modified silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 ‐MAA) are added simultaneously with a β‐nucleated agent in propylene/ethylene random copolymer (PPR). From Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, it is found that modified silica can be joined covalently with PPR macromolecular backbones with the help of poly(propylene‐ g ‐maleic anhydride) copolymer, improving dispersion of nanoparticles and increasing their adhesion with the PPR matrix. The formation of β‐phase crystals was evaluated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) along with the crystallinity, crystal size and d ‐spacing values. Tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis confirmed the reinforcement effect of the nanoparticles as well as the effect of β‐crystals on the final properties of the nanocomposites.