Simultaneous Improvement in the Tensile and Impact Strength of Polypropylene Reinforced by Graphene

Abstract

The nanocomposites of polypropylene (PP)/graphene were prepared by melt blending. The effects of the dosage of graphene on the flow and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The morphologies of fracture surfaces were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The graphene simultaneous enhanced tensile and impact properties of nanocomposites. A 3.22% increase in tensile strength, 39.8% increase in elongation at break, and 26.7% increase in impact strength are achieved by addition of only 1 wt.% of graphene loading. The morphological behavior indicates the fracture surface of PP/graphene is more rough than that of pure PP.