Effect of the Compatibilizer on Clay Dispersion in Polypropylene/Clay Nanocomposites

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites were prepared via a melt mixing technique. Two types of compatibilizers, namely poly (ethyleneco-octene) (EOC-g-MA) and polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA), were selected to facilitate the nanocomposite formation. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with rheological analysis were used for studying the dispersion state of clay layers in these nanocomposites. The results showed with the introduction of EOC-g-MA to PP/clay, clay was dispersed better than the presence of PP-g-MA.