Effect of titanium dioxide on the thermal ageing of polypropylene

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were prepared by wet synthesis method and the particle size was calculated by transmission electron microscopic technique. Polypropylene/titanium dioxide nanocomposites were prepared using 0-3 wt% of titanium dioxide by melt mixing. It was then compression moulded in to films at 180 degrees C. Thermal ageing was carried out in an air oven at 100 degrees C for 24 h. Mechanical properties of the samples were determined before and after thermal ageing. Infrared spectroscopy was used to study the degradation products. Morphology of the tensile fractured surfaces was analysed using scanning electron microscope showed stability of polypropylene/titanium dioxide nanocomposites after thermal ageing. Good dispersion of titanium dioxide in the PP matrix was evident from SEM images. Change in torque with mixing time was noted out using Thermo Haake Rheocord 600 mixing chamber. Thermogravimetric analysis of the samples indicated that thermal stability of PP was increased by the addition of titanium dioxide. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.