Surface-modified MgO nanoparticle enhances the mechanical and direct-current electrical characteristics of polypropylene/polyolefin elastomer nanodielectrics

Polypropylene (PP)/polyolefin elastomer (POE) blends and MgO/PP/POE nanocomposites were fabricated by melt blending. The morphology, mechanical, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface-modified MgO nanoparticles were well dispersed in the polymer matrix at low loadings of less than 3 phr. X-ray diffraction demonstrated that the crystalline phases of PP in the composites were changed and that the phase significantly increased. An examination of the electrical properties revealed that the direct-current (dc) electric breakdown strength and space-charge suppression effect were remarkably improved by the introduction of the surface-modified MgO nanoparticles. In addition, obvious enhancements in the tensile modulus and strength were obtained as a result of the synergistic toughening of the POE and MgO nanoparticles. Thus, MgO/PP/POE nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties have great potential to be used as recyclable insulation materials for high-voltage dc cables with large transmission capacities and high operating temperatures. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 132, 42863.