Preparation and Characterization of Isotactic Polypropylene/Maghnite Materials by Melt Compounding

摘要

Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) is one of the most interesting commodity thermoplastic accounting for about 20% of the total world polyolefin’s production [1], not only for its balance of physical and mechanical properties, but also due to its environmental friendliness (recyclability) and low cost. It is widely used in many applications, such as fibers, films for food packaging, bottles production, tubes, etc. Isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/clay composites are among the pioneer researched nanocomposites, Its properties are greatly affected by the dispersion of clay in the polymer [2]. Much research has been reported on preparation and characterization of polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites, focusing on the dispersed morphology of the clay particles [3, 4]. Polymer degradation is the focus of a great deal of current research into the management of plastic waste. The knowledge of the degradation kinetics of polymers is important for modeling the degradation process. The kinetic data suggest that the enhanced thermal stability of polymer/clay nanocomposites is associated with an increase in the activation energy of their degradation, which is coupled with the barrier effect of clay layers [5]. In this study, iPP has been mixed in the molten state with pure and organo-modified Maghnite to obtain nanocomposites. The effect of dispersion and intercalation of nanoclay on the thermal degradation mechanism of iPP will be investigated.