Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol.54, No.12, 2762-2769, 2014
Organoclay-Reinforced Compatible Blends of Polypropylene With an Amorphous Polyamide
New nanocomposite materials based on a modified polypropylene (PP) and an amorphous polyamide (aPA)/organoclay nanocomposite were obtained in the melt state. Two aPA contents and organoclay contents in the dispersed phase that varied from 0 to 10 wt% were studied. All the fully exfoliated organoclay remained in the dispersed and minor aPA phase. While adhesive fracture occurred, the interfacial tension was rather low; this is believed to be due to the presence of PP subparticles within the dispersed aPA, creating a large contact surface area. The organoclay in the dispersed phase was seen to be just as capable of increasing the elasticity modulus as when it is dispersed in the matrix. This occurs as long as there is a minimum level of interfacial adhesion, and offers new versatility in the design of nanocomposite materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2762-2769, 2014. (c) 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers