| Abstract: | The present research focuses on a model system of a blend of two immiscible polymers containing an inorganic nanofiller, exploring the effect of various melt processing procedures on structuring and on the resulting properties. Binary polypropylene/alumina and ternary polypropylene/nylon/alumina composites were produced by batch compounding under various processing conditions and compositions. Several types of polypropylene and alumina grades were examined. The alumina nanoparticles vary primarily in their mean particle size (13, 50, 500 nm). The morphology of the nanocomposites produced and their thermal, and rheological properties were studied. It was found that under certain processing conditions the nanoparticles significantly affect the morphology of the polypropylene/nylon polymer blend causing compatibilization. Also, the alumina nanoparticles affect the melt viscosity of the polypropylene/nylon blends, whereas their effect on either polypropylene or nylon melts was found insignificant. POLYM. COMPOS., 27:425–430, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers |
