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Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Volume 128, Issue 3, pages 1417–1424, 2013.
E. V. Kuvardina,L. A. Novokshonova,S. M. Lomakin, S. A. Timan, I. A. Tchmutin.
Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosygin Street, 4, Moscow 119991 Russia and
Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Kosygin Street, 4, Moscow 119334 Russia and
Open Joint Stock Company Industrial Park “Slava”, Nauchnyi Passage, 20/2, Moscow 117246 Russia.
Abstract
Polypropylene (PP)/exfoliated graphite nanoplatelet (xGnP) nanocomposites with various intrinsic aspect ratios of graphite nanoplatelets (GnPs; large and small in diameter) were prepared by a melt-mixing procedure. Transmission electron microscopy showed that all types of xGnP were well-dispersed in the polymer matrix. The effects of the dimensions and loading of the xGnPs on the morphology, mechanical reinforcement, and electrical properties of PP/xGnP were studied. A differential scanning calorimetry study of the PP/xGnP morphology indicated that all types of xGnP additives were heterogeneous nucleation sites for PP crystallization. Tensile testing, DMA, and thermogravimetric analysis of PP/xGnPs with different types of GnP additives showed enhancements in their mechanical properties, heat resistance, and thermal stability compared to plain PP. We also found a significant increase in the conductivity of PP/xGnP. The PP/xGnP with a large diameter of GnPs demonstrated the lowest percolation threshold, equal to 4 vol % of the xGnP loading. The mechanical properties were estimated by means of micromechanical modeling. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
