Crystallization and Thermal Conductivity of CaCO₃ Nanoparticle Filled Polypropylene

Abstract

Isotactic polypropylene (IPP) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) nanocomposites were prepared by melt extrusion in a twinscrew extruder. The effect of CaCO₃ nanoparticles on the crystallization and thermal conductivity (TC) of PP was studied by thermal analysis (DSC) and thermal conductivity analysis (TCA). The introduction of CaCO₃ nanoparticles resulted in an increase in crystallinity. The incorporation of this nanoparticle (up to 15 phr) caused a significant increase of TC of PP, especially for larger filler content. Several models were used for prediction of TC of the nanocomposites. The experimental results had a good correlation with the Ce Wen Nan Model.

Keywords:

• CaCO₃
• nanocomposite
• polypropylene
• thermal conductivity

Acknowledgment

The work described in this paper was supported by a grant from the Islamic Azad University—Shahreza branch, Shahreza, Iran. The authors gratefully acknowledge the Research Vice Chancellor of Islamic Azad University of Shahreza and his coworkers.