Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) monitors tensile and load-cycling tests of metallocene isotactic polypropylene (PP), a blend of PP and montmorillonite (MMT), and two block copolymer compatibilized PP/MMT nanocomposites. Mechanical properties of the materials are similar, but the semicrystalline nanostructure of the PP differs. This is explained by a nucleation effect of the MMT. Competitive crystal growth diminishes crystallite sizes. The reinforcing effect of the MMT filler appears consumed by weakening the PP matrix. Decays of mechanical and nanostructure response in dynamic load cycling indicate materials fatigue. Lifetimes describe the reinforcing and weakening effects. Addition of 3% MMT halves the fortifying effect of the PP nanostructure. A net gain of reinforcement (11%) is observed with the highly compatibilized composite in which the strength of the semicrystalline PP is reduced to 25%. Other results concern the evolution of Strobl's block structure and void formation during tensile loading.

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dModification of clay with biopolymers has been of high interest in recent years. These new materials may be used for drug delivery systems and as biomaterials due to their high biocompatible properties and because they have the advantage of being biodegradable. The modification of montmorillonite (MMT) with chitosan was done in solution, at ratio 1 : 2 and at room temperature, or at stages of high temperature, and subjected to a microwave treatment. The influence of pH was observed upon the intercalation process.The obtained materials were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetrical analyses (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Using such a mixed treatment, the basal distance of modified MMT increased up to 3.6 nm. The results show the intercalation of chitosan between the layers of MMT and obtaining of intercalated and partial exfoliated nanocomposites.

a b s t r a c tObservations are reported on polypropylene/polyethylene blends with various concentrations of components in uniaxial tensile tests with constant strain rates, relaxation tests, and creep tests at room temperature. A model is developed for the viscoelastic and viscoplastic responses of polymer blends at arbitrary three-dimensional deformation with small strains. Material constants in the constitutive equations are determined by fitting the experimental data. It is found that all adjustable parameters evolve with blend composition following an analog of the rule of mixture. Lifetime of blends under condition of creep rupture is evaluated by numerical simulation.

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