TITLE:
Studies on Mechanical Characterization of Polypropylene/Na+-MMT Nanocomposites
AUTHORS:
V. Selvakumar, K. Palanikumar, K. Palanivelu
KEYWORDS:
Polypropylene; Montmorillonite; X-ray diffraction (XRD); scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM);Tranmission electron microscopy (TEM).
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.9 No.8,
August
20,
2010
ABSTRACT: This article addresses the effect of montmorillonite (MMT) on the morphology, and mechanical
properties of polypropylene (PP). PP/MMT nanocomposites have been prepared by melt mixing
using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH-g-PP) as compatibilizing agents. Melt
mixing was achieved using twin screw extruder. The MAH-g-PP used as compatibilizer helped
the dispersion of the MMT in PP matrix. The influence of MMT on the impact fracture
morphology of the nanocomposites was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The
polymer composites were characterized by using different techniques such as X-ray diffraction
(XRD), tranmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mechanical characterization as per ASTM
standards. The mechanical properties of strength and modulus of the nanocomposites increases
with addition of 5 wt% of nanoclay and impact strength and hardness of the nanocomposites
increses with addition of 3 wt% of nanoclay.