Influence of mechanical properties of polypropylene/low-density polyethylene nanocomposites: Compatibility and crystallization

Abstract

The mechanical blending of polypropylene and low-density polyethylene is an economical and simple method for producing new polymeric materials for specific applications. However, the reduction in mechanical properties of the blend is one of its main shortcomings. In this study, a filler masterbatch including nano-silicon dioxide, compatibilizer, lubricant agent, and antioxidant agent was prepared, and polypropylene–low-density polyethylene composite parts with different content of filler masterbatch were fabricated and tested for mechanical properties at two tensile test speeds. Also, to investigate the underlying mechanism of the mechanical properties improvement, the tested samples were carefully analyzed and compared and further characterized by scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicate that the mechanical properties, including tensile strength, moduli, and elongation, can be all drastically improved simultaneously with the addition of the filler masterbatch. The results also suggest that the compatibility of the two phases increases with the increase in the filler masterbatch, and the crystal size decreases and distribution uniforms owing to the addition of the filler masterbatch. Furthermore, it was also found that there is a close relationship between the mechanical properties and morphological structures, which are improved by the existence of the filler masterbatch.