Structure and properties of polypropylene/hydrotalcite nanocomposites

This article presents the study of the modification of the particle/matrix interface region and its effects on the structure and dynamic mechanical behavior of polypropylene (PP)/hydrotalcite nanocomposites prepared by melt extrusion. The interface modification was promoted by combinying the organophillization of the hydrotalcite particles with blending the PP with a maleic anhydride‐grafted‐PP (PP‐g‐MAH) or a maleic anhydride‐grafted‐poly(styrene‐co‐ethylenebutylene‐co‐styrene) (SEBS‐g‐MAH). Sodium dodecyl sulphate was used to promote the organophillization of the hydrotalcite particles. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed a partially exfoliated hydrotalcite structure, with an increasing exfoliation being achieved by adding a compatibilizer and organo‐modifying the particles. Values of the Young's modulus (E), storage modulus (E′), maximum tensile strength (σ_max), neck propagation strength (σ_neck), and elongation at break (ε_b) were found to depend both on the nature of the particle matrix interface as well as on the type of compatibilizer. Also, nanocomposites prepared with the organophillized particles showed lower T_g and loss factor values. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers