A series of PP-MA-g-PP/MA-g-EPR -clay/alumina -titanate nanocomposites with varied proportions of clay and alumina composition, maintaining the matrix modifier and coupling agent composition constant, were prepared by melt blending. Two different modifiers, maleic anhydride (MA)-grafted polypropylene (PP) and MA-grafted EPR, along with coupling agent are used in order to improve the dispersibility of reinforcing filler. The resultant nanocomposites in presence and absence of matrix modifiers and coupling agent were compared for their dynamic mechanical and thermal properties. The morphology of nanocomposites was studied by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Most of the cases, the combination of intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites was obtained. Particularly for the sets with titanate, coupling agent showed better dispersion of reinforcing filler. The resultant nanocomposites showed an increase in storage modulus and tan values in presence of coupling agents. This reflected as an improvement in load-bearing capacity and stiffness of nanocomposite in dynamic mechanical analysis studies. The matrix modifiers and coupling agent very effectively influenced the thermal transition of nanocomposites. Blending of matrix modifier and addition of reinforcing filler reduced the melting temperature of nanocomposites because of reduction of crystallinity matrix in presence of filler and

In this study, we made an attempt to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP) using clay and alumina fillers. The dispersion of modified clay and alumina fillers in the polymer matrix was improved using (blended with) two different modifiers, maleic anhydride-grafted PP and ethylene-propylene-rubber, along with coupling agent. The effect of different loading levels of clay and alumina, keeping the other compositions constant, on mechanical and thermal properties of the nancomposites was studied and optimized. The dispersion of fillers was supported by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Presence and absence of modifier and coupling agent on the mechanical properties were also studied. Nanocomposites with 4% clay along with modifier and coupling agent have shown the best mechanical property. While nanocomposites with 4% alumina along with modifier and coupling agent have shown better thermal properties over the other composition. There is a 20-25% of improvement in both mechanical and thermal properties.

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