Fabrication and mechanical characterization of polypropylene clay nanocomposites

Abstract

Investigating the influence of process parameters is vital to enhance the mechanical properties of nanoparticle reinforced polymer composites. Nanocomposites of polypropylene/nanoclay are prepared by the extrusion method. To characterize the mechanical response of nanocomposites over different compounding ratios, samples are prepared with 5 and 10 wt%. Effects of re-extrusion and (PP-g-MA) compatibilizer on the tensile performance of nanocomposites were evaluated at different strain rates. X-ray diffraction evaluation of compounds indicated that re-extrusion is an important factor in increasing the exfoliation degree. Results show that improvement in the exfoliation degree enhances the tensile modulus, without significant influence on the tensile strength.