Polypropylene/clay nanocomposites: Effect of compatibilizer on the thermal, crystallization and dynamic mechanical behavior

Polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites are prepared using different grades of PP, compatibilizers, and organically modified clays. The melt intercalation of the PP is carried out in presence of a compatibilizer. The nanocomposites are characterized using various techniques for the structure and properties. X-ray diffraction results indicate well-defined structures. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates improved thermal stability of PP/clay nanocomposites. Isothermal crystallization studies carried out using differential scanning calorimeter illustrate enhanced crystallization of PP in all the nanocomposites. Optical microscopic study demonstrates that the nanocomposites can be crystallized at higher temperatures, exhibiting well-defined birefringent structures. The dynamic mechanical analysis reveals higher storage moduli over a temperature range of -40degreesC to 120degreesC for nanocomposites, and the extent of increase in the storage modulus is dependent on the type of compatibilizer used.