Poly (propylene)/clay nanocomposites and their application in flame retardancy

Poly(propylene)/clay nanocomposites were prepared by a one step method, using pristine montmorillonite (MMT) with surfactant loading at different ratios. The nanocomposite structure was examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution electron microscopy (HREM). This study showed that the presence of maleic anhydride modified poly(propylene) (MAPP) and the ratio of surfactant to MMT both influenced the dispersion of MMT in the hybrids. The thermal stability and flame retardant property were investigated; the synergistic effect between MMT and an intumescent flame retardant and the flame retardant mechanism are discussed in this paper. Copyright (C) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.