A Master Batch Approach to Create Polypropylene / Organoclay Nanocomposites

摘要

Polypropylene (PP) / organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by both one- and two-step melt blending mechanisms. Two-step methods included compounding a master batch comprised of 25 wt% PP-g-MA compatibilizer and 10-25 wt% organoclay, with the balance being the neat PP resin. Master batches were subsequently let down into neat PP, resulting in final blends with 5 wt% PP-g-MA and 2—5 wt% organoclay. Melt rheology, X-ray scattering (SWAXS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to assess the extent of organoclay dispersion in both final samples and master batches. An optimum master batching method was developed. The feasibility of employing multilayer coextrusion to create dispersed nanocomposites was investigated.