Thermoplastic Elastomer Nanocomposites of Polypropylene/Ethylene Octene Copolymer/Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

The focus of this study is to investigate the influences of ethylene octene copolymer (EOC) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the mechanical properties (tensile and flexural properties) and thermal stability of polypropylene (PP)-based thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites. The PP/EOC blends were prepared at two different weight ratios, 80/20 and 70/30 (w/w) PP/EOC, and each blend was compounded with a very low loading of CNTs (0.5-2 parts by weight per hundred of the PP/EOC resin). Both PP/EOC blends exhibited a higher elongation at break but a lower tensile strength, Young’s modulus and flexural strength as compared with those of the neat PP. However, the addition of CNTs caused a slightly change in the tensile strength and flexural strength but a more significant change in the Young’s modulus and elongation at break. The Young’s modulus and elongation at break of the PP/EOC blends were improved by filling with the appropriate loading of the CNTs. Thus, the combined use of EOC and CNTs can provide the balanced mechanical properties to the PP. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis showed an improvement in the thermal stability of PP by the presence of both EOC and CNTs.