The effect of nanoclays on the nucleation,crystallization, and melting mechanisms of isotactic polypropylene |
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| Authors: | FJ Medellín‐Rodríguez JM Mata‐Padilla BS Hsiao MA Waldo‐Mendoza E Ramírez‐Vargas S Sánchez‐Valdes |
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| Affiliation: | 1. CIEP‐FCQ, UASLP., Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí, S. L. P., 78210, MéxicoCIEP‐FCQ, UASLP., Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí, S. L. P., 78210, México;2. CIEP‐FCQ, UASLP., Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí, S. L. P., 78210, México;3. Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794‐3400;4. Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Blvd. Enrique Reyna 140 Saltillo Coahuila, Mexico |
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| Abstract: | The influence of organomodified nanoclay (montmorillonite) on the crystallization and melting mechanisms of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) was studied. Films of both neat polymer and clay nanocomposites were prepared after molecular weight optimization through melt extrusion. Products exhibited the tactoidlike morphology since no compatibilizers were used. The effect of introduction of nanoclay within the polymer was studied through isothermal crystallization and linear heating. The results indicated that low nanoclay concentrations induce the formation of the β‐crystalline structure, its formation being inhibited with high nanoclay contents. Dynamic nonisothermal bulk crystallization experiments indicated that nanoclays act as nucleating agents of iPP. Isothermal, bulk crystallization studies indicated that the crystallization process (induction time and crystallization kinetics) is proportionally accelerated by the nanoclay presence. There was also an accelerated formation of secondary crystallization when nanoclays were present in high concentrations. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1889–1897, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers |
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