Optimization of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of iPP and LMPP Blend Fibres by Surface Response Methodology.

Sohail Yasin,Danmei Sun,Han Jian,Feichao Zhu,Hafeezullah Memon,Munir Hussain,Yu Bin,Ma Mingbo

doi:10.3390/polym10101135

Abstract

Optimization of the mechanical and thermal properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) homopolymer blended with relatively new low molecular low modulus polypropylene (LMPP) at different blend ratios was carried out via surface response methodology (RSM). Regression equations for the prediction of optimal conditions were achieved considering eight individual parameters: naming, elongation at break, tensile strength and elastic modulus, crystallization temperature (TC), first melting temperatures (TM1), heat fusion (Hf), crystallinity, and melt flow rate (MFR), which were measured as responses for the design of experiment (DOE). The adjusted and predicted correlation coefficient (R2) shows good agreement between the actual and the predicted values. To confirm the optimal values from the response model, supplementary experiments as a performance evaluation were conducted, posing better operational conditions. It has been confirmed that the RSM model was adequate to reflect the predicted optimization. The results suggest that the addition of LMPP into iPP could effectively enhance the functionality and processability of blend fibres if correctly proportioned.

Highlights

Isotactic polypropylene polymer is a type of broadly utilised polymer that is used for its low cost and appealing mechanical properties, but only when blended with other polymeric materials, as isotactic polypropylene (iPP) alone has some drawbacks
Thermal and tensile properties with eight individual parameters, namely elongation at break, tensile strength and elastic modulus, crystallization temperature (TC ), first melting temperatures (TM1 ), heat fusion (Hf ), crystallinity, and melt flow rate (MFR) were measured as responses for the design of experiment (DOE)
The Response surface methodology (RSM) will produce the statistical models for these responses, along with optimized values of variables for the maximization of individual responses

Summary

Introduction

Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) polymer is a type of broadly utilised polymer that is used for its low cost and appealing mechanical properties, but only when blended with other polymeric materials, as iPP alone has some drawbacks. Mixing iPP with other elastomeric polymer materials evades these drawbacks, enhances the effective protection and broadens its applications. Due to the higher strength and modulus of crystalline materials, addition of polypropylene (PP) to the elastomeric matrix materials are expected to improve the processability, higher modulus and enhance the chemical resistance, while keeping high abrasion resistance, tear strength and flexibility, and shock-absorbing properties [3]. The main focus of the research can be found on chemical modification of iPP in order to expand the applications by generating value-added materials with improved mechanical

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion