Polypropylene/Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) Blend Nanocomposite: A Thermal Properties Study

In this article, thermal properties of polypropylene/poly(trimethylene terephthalate) melt-mixed blends containing organically modified montmorillonite nanoclays and interacting compatibilizers are studied. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed an enhanced elastic modulus and reduced damping upon nanoclay fillers incorporation, also alpha-relaxation peak was shifted up while beta-relaxation was not affected. Thermogravimetry exhibited a synergistic effect in thermal stability of the blend accompanied by a reduction in decomposition rate. This effect was more pronounced in presence of compatibilizers. The addition of nanoclay fillers generally led to an enhancement of thermal resistance; however, a dual function was evident, namely preventive and catalytic, respectively prior to and after onset of degradation.