Stabilization of polypropylene using dye modified layered double hydroxides

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) was successfully modified with a common azo dye, 3-(4anilinophenylazo) benzenesulfonic acid. Thermal stability of dye was increased with LDH shielding and the prepared mLDH/polypropylene (PP) nanocomposite maintained the dye derived UV-absorption property, whereas the dye/PP compound shows very weak UV-absorption. LDH based composites of polypropylene were applied to artificial aging and the tensile strength alteration of composites during aging was monitored. mLDH/PP samples endured 4 times longer than neat polypropylene under accelerated weathering conditions. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.