Effect of Hexagonal Boron Nitride on Morphology, crystallinity and internal Exfoliation properties of Polypropylene melt and solid phases

Abstract

ABSTRACT Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most important polymers widely used in different industries due to its many superior properties. Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is generally used in the electronic packaging industry and insulator material production due to its high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity. However, the lubrication properties have not yet been examined in the polymer matrix. The main purpose of this study is to examine the lubricating properties of hBN in the PP matrix and to expand its application areas. In this research, hBN/PP composites have been produced and characterized by scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray detector (SEM-EDX) and the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), respectively. The linear viscoelastic behaviors (LVBs) and rheological properties of the hBN/PP composites have been investigated at 190°C by hybrid rheometer which had high temperature plate-plate geometry system; furthermore, the SEM has been used for searching hBN particles deformation, which was mechanical deformation and distribution into the PP. The oscillation sweeps tests have shown that the critical strain values and the gelation point of composites decreased with the increasing of the hBN content into the composites. Over the 10%, hBN addition into the PP elevated internal lubrication by the exfoliation of hBN plaques. The Williamson model and the discrete retardation spectrum (DRS) equation has been applied on the hBN loaded PP composites and the PP.