Thermal degradation analysis and XRD characterisation of fibre-forming synthetic polypropylene containing nanoclay

Flammability of synthetic fibres is significantly worse than that of bulk polymers because of the high surface area to volume ratio and the low tolerance to high filler loadings in the fibre production process. Introducing nanocomposite structures has the potential to enhance the char formation at relatively low loadings of nanoparticulate filters and hence can reduce the flammability of synthetic polymers and fibres. This paper reports thermal degradation analysis results in conjunction with TG analysis under different atmospheres and further studies of X-ray diffraction characterisation of fibre-forming polypropylene containing selected dispersed nanoclays. The concentrations of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide released during the TG analysis have been monitored and analysed by using a combined electrochemical infrared analyser. The intensity changes of the crystallinity peaks and nanoclay peaks in the polymer and composites are discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.