Exfoliation and dispersion enhancement in polypropylene nanocomposites by in-situ melt phase ultrasonication

A novel process using ultrasonics to enhance the exfoliation and dispersion of clay platelets in polypropylene-based nanocomposites has been proposed and investigated. The materials studied were isotactic polypropylene of various molecular weights reinforced with organophilic montmorillonite clay (nanoclay) at 4-6 wt% loadings. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and rheological measurements, on a model system of nanoclay in mineral oil, were first used to determine ultrasonic energy requirements. The effectiveness of the proposed ultrasonic processing technique on polypropylene nanocomposites was evaluated by XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effects of added maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene compatibilizer, polypropylene molecular weight, and pretreatment of the nanoclays on the nanocomposite exfoliation were also investigated. Results indicate that ultrasonic processing of polymer nanocomposites in the melt state is an effective method for improving exfoliation and dispersion of nanoclays. Issues regarding molecular weight degradation, optimization, mechanical properties, and continuous processing are beyond the scope of the present study and are currently being investigated in our laboratory. (C) 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.