Modification of nanostructure and improvement of mechanical properties of polypropylene/polyamide 6/layered silicate ternary nanocomposites through variation of processing route

Ternary nanocomposites of polypropylene/polyamide 6/layered silicate were prepared through three different processing procedures. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the nanostructure of the samples, and tensile and impact strength measurements were conducted to assess the mechanical properties. It was shown that processing route has a significant effect on the delamination of clay platelets. Fully exfoliated nanostructure was achieved through a certain two-step processing route. Compatibilization of the blends affected microstructure as well as nanostructure. Mechanical properties were affected by changing the processing route, to a great degree. Modification of the nanostructure, i.e. more effective dispersion of silicate layers in polyamide particles, mainly enhanced elastic modulus. Changing the microstructure, or finer dispersion of polyamide particles in the polypropylene matrix, had a major effect on yield strength. Combination of these two effects successfully created a sample with superior overall tensile properties. Impact strength, however, deteriorated with better dispersion of clay. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.