Effect of Polymer-Clay Intercalation and Sequence of Melt Compounding on the Properties of PP/EPDM/Organomontmorillonite Nanocomposites

Two melt compounding process consisting Route type 1 (mixing PP/EPDM/Nanolay in an internal mixer Brabender) and Route type 2 (Pre-mixing Nanoclay with EPDM in an open two roll mill and then mixing with PP in Brabender) were preformed to investigate the effect of nanoclay loading (3, 5, 7 phr) and processing sequence on the mechanical, microstructure and rheological properties of PP/EPDM (90/10) samples. Results suggested intercalation of polymer chains into silicate layers which was confirmed by X-ray results. According to the mechanical investigation, an increase in tensile strength, modulus as well as elongation at break were observed by nanoclay loading. Improved dynamic modulus and viscosity of samples by clay loading was attributed to the good reinforcement of nanoclay particles. At the same nanoclay loading, samples prepared by Route type 2, resulted in higher mechanical and rheological properties

Keywords:

Nanocomposite , Nanoclay , Route type , Mechanical Properties , Rheological measurement