Morphology, mechanical, thermal and rheological behavior of microcellular injection molded TPO-clay nanocomposites prepared by kneader

Thermoplastic olefin elastomers (TPO)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites prepared by kneader was used in this study. The organoclay TPO nanocomposites were then injection molded by conventional and microcellular methods. Nitrogen was used as the blowing agent. The effect of organoclay content on the mechanical/thermal/rheological properties of the TPO-clay nanocomposites was investigated. The results showed that the mechanical properties (tensile, impact, and wear resistance) increased as the clay content increased. Cell size decreased as the clay loading increased. The addition of MMT into TPO also improved the thermal stability of the TPO/clay nanocomposites. The XRD results showed that the nanocomposites having an intercalated layered structure. Rheological results showed the viscosity is clay loading dependent and shear thinning effect takes place at high shear rate. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.