Thermal properties of polypropylene/montmorillonite nanocomposites

Abstract

This research paper deals with the loading of different wt.% of Montmorillonite (MMT) thermal properties of polypropylene (PP). PP/MMT nanocomposites have been manufactured by melt blending method using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH-g-PP) coupling agents. Melt blending was achieved by using twin screw extruder. The MAH-g-PP used as coupling agent and helped the good dispersion of the nanofiller in polymer matrix. The crystallization behavior of PP and its nanocomposites were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC isothermal curves showed an increase in the crystallization temperature along with increasing degree of crystallinity.Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) which indicated good thermal stability of PP matix in Na+-MMT nanocomposites.Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicated significant improvement in the storage modulus and loss modulus compared with neat PP.