Effect of surface modification of calcium carbonate nanoparticles on their dispersion in the polypropylene matrix using stearic acid

Mahdi Rahmani,Gholamhassan Payganeh,Faramarz Ashenai Ghasemi

doi:10.1051/meca/2014009

Mahdi Rahmani, Gholamhassan Payganeh + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/meca/2014009

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Abstract

In this study, effects of surface modification of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles with a single-layer of stearic acid were investigated on dispersion in polypropylene (PP) matrix. Two kinds of CaCO3 nanoparticles (monolayer-coated and uncoated) were used to investigate this effect. All combi- nations were mixed in a co-rotating twin screw extruder and then were injection molded. After breaking the injection molded parts in liquid nitrogen, effect of surface modification of nanoparticles on their disper- sion in the PP matrix was investigated using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The results showed good agreement between the measurements made with the TGA analysis and the existing theories. The surface modification of calcium carbonate nanoparticles using a single layer of stearic acid also had an effective influence on improving distribution and dispersion of nanoparticles in the PP matrix.

Highlights

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is one of the most favorite fillers used in composite materials such as polypropylene (PP) composites
TGA analysis was used in order to verify the amount of coating measured by the theory relations
Given that the most appropriate monolayer coating is a complete monolayer coating equivalent to the maximal weight percent of stearic acid coating on calcium carbonate nanoparticles to achieve a monolayer coating [4], the amount of stearic acid coating on calcium carbonate nanoparticles purchased from the factory was not sufficient according to the amount calculated by the theory equations

Summary

Introduction

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is one of the most favorite fillers used in composite materials such as polypropylene (PP) composites. Availability, lightness, surface coating facility, easy manufacturing and high load carrying capability are some of the factors that have caused extensive use of this material as reinforcement [1]. Their composites are used in a wide range of applications such as sewer pipes, garden tools, breathing films etc. TGA analysis was used in order to verify the amount of coating measured by the theory relations

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Conclusion