Organically modified-grafted mica (OMGM) nanoparticles for reinforcement of polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP) was reinforced by mica nanoparticles as a reinforcement of mechanical properties. For this purpose, mica was organically modified using diacetone acrylamide, a vinyl functional modifier, to enhance the interaction between the PP chains and mica silicate layers. The X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrated the intercalation of the modifier molecules into the mica gallery. Maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene was grafted on organically modified mica (OMM) in an organic suspension media at different temperatures, 100, 120, and 130 °C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the OMM and organically modified-grafted mica (OMGM). Various amounts of OMGM nanoparticles, 0–3 wt%, were used to reinforce PP. The effect of OMGM level on the crystallinity, tensile properties, impact, and fracture toughness of resulting nanocomposites was investigated. The results showed that the addition of 1 wt% OMGM, prepared at grafting temperature of 120 °C, enhanced the tensile strength to 12% and notched impact strength to 58%, while it changed the critical stress intensity factor (K 1C) slightly (5%) when compared to PP. Partial exfoliation of OMGM layers in the PP matrix was examined using transmission electron microscopy. The further increase in the OMGM level lowered the mechanical properties and fracture toughness due to OMGM nanoparticle agglomeration.