The Use of an Organoclay on the Compatibilization of PP/EPDM Blends

PP/EPDM blends with different PP:EPDM ratios, non-compatibilized and compatibilized with maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) were prepared by melting. The influence of 1 phr bentonite clay addition on the morphology, mechanical and rheological properties of these blends was evaluated. The bentonite used as a filler, provided by Bentonit Uniao Nordeste/PB, was purified and organically modified with a technology developed by our research group, before being added to the blends. X-ray diffraction results showed that, for blends having different PP:EPDM ratios, 1 phr organoelay addition led to the formation of intercalated (20 or 40% EPDM) or intercalated/exfoliated (10 and 30% EPDM) nanocomposites. The morphological, mechanical and rheological properties of the blends were modified by organoclay addition, especially for those with 30 wt% of EPDM, where a compatibilizing effect of the organoclay was observed.