New toughened polypropylene/organophilic montmorillonite nanocomposites

A new toughened polypropylene (PP)/organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposite was obtained by melt intercalation extrusion in a twin-screw extruder without any compatibilizer. The nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, melt flow rate (MFR) testing, mechanical properties measurement, melting and crystallization behaviors, and thermal stability determination. TEM images revealed the existence of intercalated OMMT layers dispersed throughout the PP matrix. A clear reduction in MFR was observed as the OMMT content increased. The yield strength, elongation at yield, and initial modulus of the PP/OMMT nanocomposites increased slightly as the result of the reinforcement of the OMMT nanofiller. The ultimate value of notched impact strength of the nanocomposites was over twofold that of neat PP after incorporation with 4 wt % OMMT; meanwhile, the heat deflection temperature values showed that the thermal stability increased a little. This is a new approach for preparation for the production of a toughened PP material with a high thermal stability and rigidity. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.