Crystallinity and thermal stability of LDH/polypropylene nanocomposites

Polypropylene nanocomposites were prepared with Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) intercalated with dodecylsulfonate/itaconic acid. We investigated the influence of the organo-LDHs on some properties of the nanocomposites, such as crystallinity, thermal stability and combustion performance. The nanocomposites were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The addition of the LDHs increased the crystallinity of the polypropylene and thermal stability of the nanocomposites and retarded the flammability.

Research Highlights
► The interlayer distance of the LDH was expanded to 2.75 nm used by SDS and SI.
► The modified LDHs were exfoliated in the PP/LDH nanocomposites.
► Heterogeneous nucleation of the modified LDHs was observed in the nanocomposites.
► The thermal stability of the nanocomposites was improved.
► The inflaming retarding of the nanocomposites was prolonged.