Effect of Addition of Hybrid Nanoclay and Nano-Alumina Fillers on the Mechanical and Thermal Performances of Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

In this study, we made an attempt to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP) using clay and alumina fillers. The dispersion of modified clay and alumina fillers in the polymer matrix was improved using (blended with) two different modifiers, maleic anhydride-grafted PP and ethylene–propylene–rubber, along with coupling agent. The effect of different loading levels of clay and alumina, keeping the other compositions constant, on mechanical and thermal properties of the nancomposites was studied and optimized. The dispersion of fillers was supported by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Presence and absence of modifier and coupling agent on the mechanical properties were also studied. Nanocomposites with 4% clay along with modifier and coupling agent have shown the best mechanical property. While nanocomposites with 4% alumina along with modifier and coupling agent have shown better thermal properties over the other composition. There is a 20–25% of improvement in both mechanical and thermal properties.