Sustainable polypropylene nanocomposite for lightweight and low thermal conductivity application

Abstract

Sustainable polypropylene nanocomposites (PPNCs) were prepared by using melt blending of polypropylene (PP), and nanoclay (NC) in the presence of a compatibilizer, i.e. maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP). The characterization of the composite samples was accomplished with tensile tester, x-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, thermo gravimetric analyzer, and thermal conductivity instruments. The improved adhesion between the matrix and the reinforcement enhanced the physical, thermal and mechanical properties of the composites. The result describes how the sustainable product is a function of the process root, material composition and the micro structure. The study focused on the development of a sustainable light weight and low thermal conductive polypropylene nanocomposites for thermal insulation, which can be used in a sustainable environment that may include: alkalinity, fire, moisture, and thermal effects.