Properties of silane grafted polypropylene/montmorillonite nanocomposites

Polypropylene/montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding using organosilane modified polypropylene (PP-g-VTES) as compatibilizing agent. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile modulus, and Izod impact strength. Addition of PP-g-VTES improved clay dispersion, as shown by the distribution of platelets per particle, and improve the interaction between clay and polymer matrix. Crystallization peak temperature (Tp) was increased in 10 °C using PP-g-VTES as compatibilizing agent. However the crystallization process and its rate were unmodified. The tensile modulus of compatibilized nanocomposite is 1.5 times higher compared to pure PP.