The effect of specific β‐nucleation on morphology and mechanical behavior of isotactic polypropylene

The commercial grade of isotactic polypropylene was modified by a specific β‐nucleating agent in a broad concentration range. The supermolecular structure of the specimens prepared by injection molding was characterized by X‐ray scattering and correlated with mechanical behavior. It was found that at a critical nucleant concentration of 0.03 wt % the content of the β‐modification virtually reaches a saturation level. With further addition of the nucleant, the β‐phase content increases only slightly. The long period passes through a distinct maximum at the same nucleant concentration. This singularity in structure remarkably correlates with a minimum of the yield stress and maxima of strain at break and fracture toughness. Such general behavior is also reflected in the correlation between the β‐phase concentration and fracture toughness profiles along the injection‐molded bars. It is suggested that in the critically nucleated material an optimum thickness of the amorphous interlayer with connecting chains between the β‐crystallites is established, rendering the material the highest possible ductility and toughness. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1174–1184, 2002