The effect of specific β-nucleation on morphology and mechanical behavior of isotactic polypropylene

The commercial grade of isotactic polypropylene was modified by a specific beta-nucleating agent in a broad concentration range. The supermolecular structure of the specimens prepared by injection molding was characterized by X-ray scattering and correlated with mechanical behavior. It was found that at a critical nucleant concentration of 0.03 wt % the content of the beta-modification virtually reaches a saturation level. With further addition of the nucleant, the beta-phase content increases only slightly. The long period passes through a distinct maximum at the same nucleant concentration. This singularity in structure remarkably correlates with a minimum of the yield stress and maxima of strain at break and fracture toughness. Such general behavior is also reflected in the correlation between the beta-phase concentration and fracture toughness profiles along the injection-molded bars. It is suggested that in the critically nucleated material an optimum thickness of the amorphous interlayer with connecting chains between the beta-crystallites is established, rendering the material the highest possible ductility and toughness. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 11741184, 2002.