Crystallization and melting of highly filled polypropylene composites prepared with surface-treated fillers

Polypropylene (PP) composites with high filler content have been prepared with surface-treated fillers. The effect of the filler is twofold; nucleation of crystallization occurs, though the PP is also adsorbed onto the filler thereby retarding its motion. Differential scanning calorimetry has been used to study the crystallization of the PP. Melting and recrystallization during melting has been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. The properties of the composites are more than an additive combination of the filler and polymer. In the case of highly filled composites, the morphology of the PP is important in limiting brittleness and for the strength of the interface between filler and polymer. Surface treatment of the filler has been found to have a significant control over the morphology and properties of the composites. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.