Studies on Mechanical Characterization of Polypropylene/Na⁺-MMT Nanocomposites

Abstract

This article addresses the effect of montmorillonite (MMT) on the morphology, and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP). PP/MMT nanocomposites have been prepared by melt mixing using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH-g-PP) as compatibilizing agents. Melt mixing was achieved using twin screw extruder. The MAH-g-PP used as compatibilizer helped the dispersion of the MMT in PP matrix. The influence of MMT on the impact fracture morphology of the nanocomposites was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The polymer composites were characterized by using different techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), tranmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mechanical characterization as per ASTM standards. The mechanical properties of strength and modulus of the nanocomposites increases with addition of 5 wt% of nanoclay and impact strength and hardness of the nanocomposites increses with addition of 3 wt% of nanoclay.