Effects of compatibilizer type and proceessing parameters on mechanical properties of polypropylene-clay nanocomposites prepared by melt mixing

Abstract

The effects of compatibilizer type and the processing conditions on polypropyleneclay nanocomposite preparation by melt extrusion were investigated. The objective of the study was to optimize the nanocomposite formulation and manufacturing parameters to obtain enhanced physical and mechanical properties. The optimum clay content and the compatibilizer type were determined after a series of experiments. Different extruder parameters were used to obtain different shear rate profiles in the extruder. Varying the screw speed and screw design were those parameters. Loading order of the compatibilizing materials was also a parameter that affects dispersion of the clay. The compounds prepared by melt extrusion were injection molded and the specimens were mechanically tested. Then these results were compared to each other. Considering the test results, the effects of the processing parameters on the physical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were discussed.