Polypropylene/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites: Synergistic effect of designed filler modification and compatibilizing agent on the morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties

Abstract

This work addresses the optimization of the morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of polypropylene/ layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites. For this, the nanofillers were modified by a calcination rehydration process using two surfactants, sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, respectively. The nanofillers were characterized at each step of the modification process by thermal gravimetry, X-ray diffraction, and Infra red spectroscopy. Furthermore, the impact of anionic modifiers on the filler surface energy and on the interactions toward water was analyzed. Polypropylene (PP)/LDH nanocomposites were then prepared by a melt intercalation process and a high molar mass maleic anhydride functionalized polypropylene (PPgMA) was introduced as a compatibilizer. The dispersion of LDH in the PP matrix was characterized and the thermal and mechanical properties of the corresponding nanocomposites were determined and discussed as a function of the filler modification, of the nanocomposite morphology, and of the filler/matrix interfacial properties. The nanocomposites prepared from SDS modified LDH and PPgMA exhibited superior properties thanks to an optimized filler dispersion state and improved interfacial interactions.

3D Mass diffusion in ordered nanocomposite systems: Finite element simulation and phenomenological modeling

“…The volume fraction of nanofillers f , chosen in the range 0–10%, is a parameter of the geometrical model. The disk thickness values e have been chosen in the range 0.6–2 nm to match the typical thickness values of the elementary platelets for the most common lamellar nanofiller types . The disk diameter D was varied between 100 and 500 nm.…”

Thermo‐mechanical and adhesive properties of polymeric films based on ZnAl‐hydrotalcite composites for active wound dressings

“…Biohybrids of HTlc and biomolecules can be designed to carry or drop functional biomolecules in gene therapy and drug delivery . Many studies demonstrated their ability to form micro‐ and nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties . Nanocomposites based on Na‐CMC and HTlcs have already been proposed in the literature, but only a few examples exist.…”

The influence of filler surface modification on mechanical and material properties of layered double hydroxide‐containing polypropylene composites

“…Stearate‐coated compounds have been reported to show better processing behavior, increased elongation at break, and improved impact properties at the cost of tensile strength . Regarding PP/LDH composites, the most widely reported anionic modifier is the C12 surfactant dodecyl sulfate/dodecylbenzene sulfonate . PP/LDH polymer nanocomposites were found to exhibit improved thermal properties and enhanced Young's and storage moduli at a filler loading of 10 wt % .…”

“…30,31,33 Regarding PP/LDH composites, the most widely reported anionic modifier is the C12 surfactant dodecyl sulfate/dodecylbenzene sulfonate. 23,25,34 PP/LDH polymer nanocomposites were found to exhibit improved thermal properties and enhanced Young's and storage moduli at a filler loading of 10 wt %. 17 The addition of 3 wt % of LDHs increased the crystallinity of PP and the thermal stability of the nanocomposites and decreased flammability.…”