Efeito de compatibilizantes no desempenho de sistemas PP/argila organofílica.

Abstract

In this work, hybrids of polypropylene homopolymer containing 5% by weight organoclay, 5 and 15% maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene and 0.5 and 1.0% erucamide, respectively, were prepared by melt intercalation. The systems were processed in an internal mixer and corotating twin screw extruder, at a single processing condition. The hybrids were characterized by melt flow index (MFI), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and tensile and impact properties. Melt flow rate results showed a decrease in this parameter with clay and/or additives (compatibilizer and co-intercalant) addition, which indicates an increase in the system´s viscosity. DSC and TG, data suggested that the thermal stability of the systems increased with clay and coupling agent incorporation. X-ray diffraction results showed increased basal interplanar distance d(001) of the systems forming intercalated structures, in particular in compositions where the co-intercalating agent was utilized. The tensile strength of the systems was not significantly affected, however, an increase on elastic modulus and on impact resistance was observed with the additives incorporation. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of partially exfoliated and/or intercalated nanocomposites.