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Exfoliation targeted toughness enhancement in polypropylene‐ blend ‐ montmorillonite nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Bagcioglu Cuneyt,
Altuntas Esra,
Şen Sinan,
Bora İslier M,
Ersoy Osman G,
Ersoy Nuri,
Nugay Turgut,
Nugay Nihan
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.2486
Subject(s) - materials science , nanocomposite , thermogravimetric analysis , montmorillonite , exfoliation joint , organoclay , polypropylene , composite material , toughness , natural rubber , izod impact strength test , maleic anhydride , dynamic mechanical analysis , polymer , copolymer , ultimate tensile strength , chemical engineering , graphene , nanotechnology , engineering
Abstract BACKGROUND: Both exfoliated and toughened polypropylene‐ blend ‐montmorillonite (PP/MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt extrusion in a twin‐screw extruder. Special attention was paid to the enhancement of clay exfoliation and toughness properties of PP by the introduction of a rubber in the form of compatibilizer toughener: ethylene propylene diene‐based rubber grafted with maleic anhydride (EPDM‐ g ‐MA). RESULTS: The resultant nanocomposites were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis and Izod impact testing methods. It was found that the desired exfoliated nanocomposite structure could be achieved for all compatibilizer to organoclay ratios as well as clay loadings. Moreover, a mechanism involving a decreased size of rubber domains surrounded with nanolayers as well as exfoliation of the nanolayers in the PP matrix was found to be responsible for a dramatic increase in impact resistance of the nanocomposites. CONCLUSION: Improved thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of the resultant nanocomposites promise to open the way for highly toughened super PPs via nanocomposite assemblies even with very low degrees of loading. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry