Multifunctional PP-Based Nanocomposites Incorporated with Organoclays, Poly(MA-alt-1-Dodecene)-g-SiO₂ Nanoparticles and Bioengineering Polyesters in Melt by Reactive Extrusion

ABSTRACT

Polypropylene-based multifunctional nanocomposites were fabricated in melt by a one-step reactive extrusion using a twin-screw extruder. The in situ chemical and physical processes during the extrusion of polymer blend composites consisting (1) polypropylene as a matrix polymer, (2) polypropylene–g-maleic anhydride graft copolymer compatibilizer, (3) copolymer–g-SiO₂ encapsulated nanoparticles, (4) biodegradable polyesters, and (5) reactive and nonreactive organoclay nanofillers were investigated. The crystallinity, thermal stability, rheological, mechanical parameters, and surface and internal morphologies of the nanocomposites have been improved compared to polypropylene and its composites. Moreover, the colloidal copolymer–silica nanoparticles play an important role in the formation of nanocomposites with well dispersion in morphology.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Organ clays
• organosilica NPs
• PP
• PP–g-MA
• reactive extrusion
• rheology
• structure–composition–property relationships