Characterization of Polypropylene Nanocomposite Structures
This study describes the synthesis, mechanical properties, and morphology of nanophased polypropylene structures. The structures were manufactured by melt-blending low weight percentages of montmorillonite nanoclays and polypropylene thermoplastic. Both virgin and infused polypropylene structures were then subjected to quasi-static tensile, flexural, hardness and impact tests. Analysis of test data show that the mechanical properties increase with an increase in nanoclay loading up to a threshold of 2wt.%; thereafter, the material properties degrade. At low weight nanoclay loadings the enhancement of properties is attributed to the lower percolation points created by the high aspect ratio nanoclays. The increase in properties may also be attributed to the formation of intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposite structures formed at these loadings of clay. At higher weight loading, degradation in mechanical properties may be attributed to the formation of agglomerated clay tactoids. Results of transmission electron microscopy studies and scanning electron microscopy studies of the fractured surface of tensile specimens verify these hypotheses.