Evaluation of surfactants addition as compatibilizers for halloysite nanotubes filled polypropylene nanocomposites

Abstract

PP nanocomposites were obtained with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) by melting blending using a twin screw extrusion. Some additives were used for obtaining good mechanical and thermal properties, such as PP-g-MA and nonionic surfactants to increase the force of adhesion between the clay and the thermoplastic matrix. Three dimensional, edge-to-edge and face-to-edge interactions between HNT occurred, which are the main reasons for the simultaneous increases in Young modulus and impact Izod of PP/HNT nanocomposites. The use of PP-g-MA increases the formation of aggregates of the HNT in the matrix. On the other hand, the use of nonionic surfactants increase the dispersion of HNT in PP matrix and showed some individual HNT in the matrix. Tm and Xc were not affected by its presence, PP-g-MA or nonionic surfactants. The use of HNT showed a slight nucleation effect in the crystallization of PP. The use of PP-g-MA reduces the mechanical and thermal properties due to the larger-sized aggregates of HNT formed in the matrix. The use of the nonionic surfactants increase Impact Izod and larger amounts of surfactants acted as plasticizer showing a slight reducing the melt temperature and HDT.