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A new elaboration concept of polypropylene/unmodified Montmorillonite nanocomposites by reactive extrusion based on direct injection of polypropylene aqueous suspensions
Author(s) -
Aloui M.,
Soulestin J.,
Lacrampe M.F.,
Krawczak P.,
Rousseaux D.,
MarchandBrynaert J.,
Devaux J.,
Quiévy N.,
Sclavons M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.21474
Subject(s) - masterbatch , materials science , polypropylene , montmorillonite , nanocomposite , extrusion , cationic polymerization , reactive extrusion , exfoliation joint , composite material , aqueous solution , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , nanotechnology , organic chemistry , chemistry , graphene , engineering
Nanocomposites based on polypropylene (PP) and unmodified Montmorillonite were prepared using a novel elaboration route based on a water‐assisted extrusion process. Unmodified Montmorillonite, high shear compounding together with injection of aqueous suspension and reactive processing technology were used. Different aqueous suspensions containing cationic or anionic surfactants, and a compatibilizer (PP‐ g ‐MA) were injected during extrusion to promote clay dispersion. For a comparison purpose, a commercial PP/clay masterbatch was melt mixed to PP. Structural, morphological, and rheological characterizations indicate clearly that the cationic suspensions ease the dispersion of clay platelets in the PP matrix. No full exfoliation is, however, obtained, and the system remains still less homogeneous than the nanocomposite based on the commercial masterbatch. Nevertheless, mechanical and thermal characterizations of the nanocomposites based on cationic surfactants demonstrate the efficiency to disperse clay in the polymer matrix, and the effect on the ductility compared to usual PP nanocomposites is promising. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers