Water-assisted extrusion of polypropylene/clay nanocomposites in high shear condition

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites were prepared by water-assisted extrusion process at high shear rates. The effects of mixing methods of clay (with or without the use of water) and degree of shear rates on the properties of PP/clay nanocomposites were investigated by measuring their thermal, rheological, and tensile properties and morphology. The best properties were achieved when the clay was mixed in slurry state and the shear rates were high simultaneously. This was verified by both SEM and XRD showing a good dispersion status of the nano-clay in PP matrix for PP/clay nanocomposites. Expected mechanisms explaining the clay dispersions were proposed in this study. By these synergistic effects of water and high shear rates, the PP/clay nanocomposites would be promising materials for many applications where economic feasibility is needed as well as good mechanical properties.