On nanoclay localization in polypropylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends: Correlation with thermal and mechanical properties

A series of melt processed clay filled-PP/PET immiscible blends were analyzed in terms of thermal and mechanical properties combined with a theoretical analysis using a mechanical model for probing nanoclay localization in the blends influenced by blend composition, nanoclay content and type of matrix (PET-rich and PP-rich). According to the results obtained from DSC technique, it was shown that localization of nanoclay in the blend systems can be detected by analyzing changes in crystallization temperature and crystallinity of polymer components of the blend systems. From the tensile test results, it was revealed that tensile strength of the blend systems was affected by localization of nanoclay in the matrix phase, only. There was observed no compatibilization effect of nanoclay localized at interface of the blends, on mechanical properties improvement. Also, it was revealed that localization of nanoclay particles in matrix phase resulted in their more efficiency to increase tensile modulus than that localized in disperse phase. However, this efficiency was still dramatically low as compared to that predicted by Hui–Shia model.

► Probing clay localization through thermal and mechanical analysis in PP/PET blend.
► Consolidating the clay localization by theoretical approach using a mechanical model.
► Nucleating role of the localized clay in PET both as dispersed and matrix phases.
► Increased in crystallization temperature and crystallinity of PET due to localization.
► Monitoring changes in tensile strength and modulus affected by clay positioning.