Impact modification of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/polypropylene blend nanocomposites: Fabrication and characterization

Abstract

AbstractA poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/polypropylene (PP) blend and the nanocomposites were prepared with and without the addition of a compatibilizer precursor [maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP)]. A reactive route was used for the compatibilization with the addition of MAPP during melt blending in a batch mixer. Organically modified nanoclays were used as nanoscale reinforcements to prepare the blend nanocomposites. Mechanical tests revealed optimum performance characteristics at a PTT/PP blend ratio of 80 : 20. Furthermore, incorporation of nanoclays up to 3 wt % showed a higher impact strength and higher tensile strength and modulus in the blend nanocomposites compared to the optimized blend. The nanocomposite formation was established through X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermal measurements were carried out with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). DSC thermograms revealed an increase in the crystallization temperature in the presence of the nanoclays in the blend system containing Cloisite 30B. TGA thermograms also indicated that the thermal stability of blend increased with the incorporation of Cloisite 30B. Furthermore, dynamic mechanical analysis measurements showed that the Cloisite 30B nanocomposite had the maximum modulus compared to other nanocomposites. TEM micrographs confirmed an intercalated morphology in the blend nanocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011