Preparation and characterization of polypropylene/solid-state organomodified montmorillonite nanocomposites

A novel organomodified montmorillonite prepared by solid-state method and its nanocomposites with polypropylene were studied. The interaction between modifying agent and montmorillonite was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, contact angle determination, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the modifying agent behaves as an effective intercalating agent, enlarging the interlayer spacing of montmorillonite and making montmorillonite more hydrophobic. Polypropylene/solid-state organomodified montmorillonite composites were prepared by melt-mixing method. The dispersion of the silicates was investigated by XRD analysis and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the nanocomposites are formed with solid-state organomodified montmorillonite and polypropylene. The thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results showed that the organoclay could enhance the thermal stability and decrease the relative crystallinity of polypropylene. Mechanical and rheological tests indicated that the organoclay improves the mechanical properties but has no obvious effect on rheological properties of polypropylene.