Abstract
The use of polyolefins in structural components requires the simultaneous improvement of stiffness and toughness of the matrix, whilst in the case of sensing components during operation, additional functions are needed such as electrical conductivity. However, providing various desired properties without impairing those intrinsic to the materials can be somewhat challenging. In this study we report the preparation of an isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene triblock copolymer (SEBS)/graphene system that combines enhanced mechanical properties with electrical conductivity. Blends were prepared by solution mixing (SoM) and solution/solid state mixing (SoM/SSM) formulation routes prior to melt processing. The nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the electrical and mechanical properties were evaluated. The materials prepared via the SoM/SSM route displayed good electrical conductivity while retaining the mechanical properties of iPP, making them attractive materials for low cost and high throughput structural components with sensing capacity.
Highlights
Polyolefins are the most widely used synthetic polymers due to their easy preparation, low cost, good processability, recyclability, and biocompatibility that make them attractive candidates for very different areas like packaging, consumer goods, biomedical, or automotive sectors
The use of polyolefins in structural components requires the simultaneous improvement of stiffness and toughness of the matrix, whilst in the case of sensing components during operation, additional functions are needed such as electrical conductivity
In this study we report the preparation of an isotactic polypropylene/styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene triblock copolymer (SEBS)/graphene system that combines enhanced mechanical properties with electrical conductivity
Summary
Polyolefins (polyethylene and polypropylene) are the most widely used synthetic polymers due to their easy preparation, low cost, good processability, recyclability, and biocompatibility that make them attractive candidates for very different areas like packaging, consumer goods, biomedical, or automotive sectors. Polypropylene (PP) is increasingly used in the automotive sector In this particular industry, stiffness and toughness have to be simultaneously improved for structural components that, in the case of PP, is an important challenge [16,17]. In order to achieve simultaneous improvements in stiffness and toughness in isotactic polypropylene (iPP), the addition of a third component such as inorganic nanofillers, other crystalline polymers, or additives has been widely explored [20,21,22]. Two different nanofillers (non-functionalized and polypropylene-modified graphene) were evaluated in order to investigate whether the selective location of graphene had an effect on the final properties of the blends
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
