Characterization of Isotactic Polypropylene/Talc Composites Prepared by Extrusion Cum Compression Molding Technique

Abstract

Extrusion-Compression molded isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composites containing 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt% and 50 wt% of talc filler were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) and physical testing. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs of neat iPP and composites with 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt% and 50 wt% talc content show that neat PP, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30wt% talc composites surface is smooth in comparison to 40 wt% and 50 wt% talc composites. It is also observed that talc is dispersed uniformly in the matrix and this uniform dispersion is not decreased even with talc content as high as 30 wt% talc. The composites of 40 wt% and 50 wt% talc contain more crack, agglomerates or larger particles. Bulk density of the composites decreases with the increase of talc content. With the increase of percentage of talc and period of immersion, the water absorption (WA) increases. Thermal analyses indicate a considerable increase of thermal stability of the composites with filler addition.