Journal
MATERIALS & DESIGN
Volume 49, Issue -, Pages 442-448Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2013.01.025
Keywords
Polymer-matrix; Composites; Mechanical properties; Thermal properties
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This study treats the combined effects of both particle sizes and particle loading on the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with Nut-shells of Argan (NA) particles. Three range sizes of particles were used in the presence of a polypropylene matrix grafted with 8 wt.% of a linear block copolymer based on styrene and butadiene coupling agent, to improve adhesion between the particles and the matrix. The composites were prepared through melt-blending using an internal mixer and the tensile specimens were prepared using a hot press molding machine. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and tensile tests were employed to characterize the composites at 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt.% particle contents. Results show a clear improvement in Young's modulus from the use of particles when compared to the neat PP, again of 42.65%, 26.7% and 2.9% at 20 wt.% particle loading, for particle range 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In addition a notable increase in the Young's modulus was observed when decrease the particle size. The thermal stability of composites exhibits a slight decrease (256-230 degrees C) with particles loading from 10 to 25 wt.%, against neat PP (258 degrees C). (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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