Enhancing the Performance of Polypropylene/High-Density Polyethylene Blends by the Use of a Compatibilizer and Montmorillonite Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanocomposites composed of compatibilized polyolefin blends and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoparticles were produced through melt mixing using a twin-screw extruder. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) blends were compatibilized with maleic anhydride-grafted PE compatibilizer (COMP). Blends with a 10/25 (w/w) HDPE/PP content were prepared and were reinforced with 1, 2, and 3 phr OMMT. Characterization of nanocomposites was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Tensile Testing, and Melt Flow Index (MFI) measurements. Preparation of polyolefin blend/OMMT nanocomposites with a twin-screw extruder was successful at low clay levels (1 phr). These nanocomposites presented increased onset temperature of thermal degradation, crystallinity, and stiffness, whereas their MFI values were lower than those of the pure matrix.