Polypropylene nanocomposites based on the montmorillonite modified by octadecylamine and stearic acid co-intercalation

Abstract

Sodium montmorillonite (MMT Na+) was modified by co-intercalation, i.e. simultaneous action of octadecylamine and stearic acid in different ratios. The amount of MMT Na+ was calculated as 5 wt % to the weight of PP. Co-intercalation was carried by the mechanism of ion-dipole reaction and the achieved result was measured by XRD technique. The modified MMT and polypropylene (PP) were mixed on a one screw KO Kneader Buss with maleic-anhydride-modified PP (PPMa) as a compatibilizer. The content of PPMa in mixtures was 5 wt % to the weight of PP. The level of MMT exfoliation in the nanocomposite systems was also studied by SEM technique. The properties of samples were evaluated by DMA analysis (E*modulus 50°C and 100°C) and by the measurement of mechanical properties (break point and break strain). To assese the systems´ morphology SEM technique was used. The influence of different ratios of the individual components on the properties of polypropylene nanocomposites is discussed. The improvement of PP nanocomposite was achieved in the mechanical properties measurement and confirmed by SEM also, but only for lower value of ODA /STA concentrations.