Polypropylene/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites Compatibilized with Polypropylene-graft-Isocyanate

摘要

Polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites have been attracted considerable attention owing to improved mechanical, dimensional, permeable, thermal and flame retardant properties compared with virgin polymers or conventional microcomposites even with the addition of a minimal amount of clay to polymers. As the intercalation of the polymer and exfoliation of the clay sheets are critical part in the preparation of nanocomposites, various compatibilizers as well as organo-modified silicates have been employed. In the present study the reaction between compatibilizer and intercalant is attempted. We prepared polypropylene (PP)/layered silicate nanocomposites by using PP-g-isocyanate as a compatibilizer which render the polymer chain penetrate between silicate layers by forming covalent bonds with the hydroxyl group of the intercalant. The structures as well as the mechanical and thermal properties were investigated.