Crystallization and Thermal Conductivity of CaCO3 Nanoparticle Filled Polypropylene

Isotactic polypropylene (IPP) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanocomposites were prepared by melt extrusion in a twinscrew extruder. The effect of CaCO3 nanoparticles on the crystallization and thermal conductivity (TC) of PP was studied by thermal analysis (DSC) and thermal conductivity analysis (TCA). The introduction of CaCO3 nanoparticles resulted in an increase in crystallinity. The incorporation of this nanoparticle (up to 15 phr) caused a significant increase of TC of PP, especially for larger filler content. Several models were used for prediction of TC of the nanocomposites. The experimental results had a good correlation with the Ce Wen Nan Model.