Rheological behavior of poly(propylene) reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets for injection molding

Abstract

Poly(propylene) (PP)‐based graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) nanocomposites are processed by a melt blending technique. To obtain more knowledge about the rheological behavior of nanocomposites for injection molding, the rheological characterization of nanocomposites is performed using a double capillary rheometer over a shear rate range from 10 to 6000 s−1. The influence of processing temperature (170, 180, and 190°C) is evaluated. To improve the interaction between PP and GnPs, maleic anhydride (MA) is applied as a compatibilizer. The viscosity master curves are fitted to the Cross‐WLF model. In relation to neat PP, the presence of GnPs promote a viscosity decrease. The nanocomposites containing MA exhibit a higher viscosity than the non‐compatibilized counterparts, suggesting adhesion improvement between PP and GnPs. In addition to the MA compatibilizer effect, the results show that its presence could act as a plasticizer/lubricant in the PP matrix. The morphology characterization of nanocomposites suggests that in addition to improving the adhesion between PP and GnPs, the MA presence also improved the GnPs dispersion in the PP matrix. The presence of GnPs and MA can affect the Newtonian behavior of the PP matrix. All studied samples reveal thermo‐rheological simplicity and pseudo‐plastic behavior.

Effect of Incorporation of Graphene Nanoplatelets on Physicochemical, Thermal, Rheological, and Mechanical Properties of Biobased and Biodegradable Blends

“…The smooth surface and no obvious phase separation between the components of B20/RES/PBS/GRA1% indicate the formation of a more homogeneous phase than B20/RES/PBS/GRA0.5%, as represented in Figure 6E,F, respectively. According to the GnPs supplier, the nanoplatelets have on their edges functional groups such as ethers, carboxyls, or hydroxyls that can facilitate the GRA distribution into the matrix [42]. The results of this study suggest that the use of RES and 1% GRA is a promising approach for developing high-performance biodegradable blends with good structural integrity for use in automotive parts.…”

“…The results showed that with the incorporation of RES and GRA, there was a decrease in the viscosity of the blends. Lima et al [42] evaluated the rheological behavior of polypropylene (PP)/GRA nanocomposites at 180 and detected a decrease in viscosity with the addition of GRA. The authors proposed that this reduction in viscosity could be attributed to a weak interaction between the polypropylene matrix and GRA.…”

Enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of graphene nanoplatelets‐reinforced polyamide11/poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites

“…[4,8] In the literature, there are various studies in which GNP was used as a filler to improve the final properties of polymers. [13,14] For instance, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and thermoplastic polyurethane have been studied by Caradonna et al [15] to enhance their properties. It was documented that GNP increased the thermal conductivity and stability of the polymers.…”