Rheological Properties of Multi-Component Composites Based on Polymer-Polymer Matrix and Nanostructured Zinc Oxide

Abstract

Polypropylene and it`s matrix composites have been used for decades. To make new materials for traditional and specific applications it has been blended with ethylene 1-octene copolymer to improve processing and impact resistance. To make material with non-common specific application nanostructured zinc oxide particles have been used to obtain material with good antiseptic properties, ultraviolet radiation stability, improved tribological and mechanical parameters. In the research polypropylene composites with ethylene 1-octene copolymer (0, 10 and 30 wt.%) and zinc oxide (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2 wt.%) obtained by melt mixing have been investigated. Rheological properties have been obtained by using two-capillary rheometer. Obtained results show pseudoplastic nature of all the tested composites. Shear data show no significant effect of zinc oxide particle concentration on shear viscosity of the tested materials. On the other hand, extensional viscosity data demonstrate considerable melt flow sensibility of the investigated composition. Addition of ZnO and EOC, however, has some stabilizing effect on melt behavior of the investigated PP based compositions.