High‐quality modification of general polypropylene by the synergistic effect of zinc adipate, hydrotalcite, and polypropylene (SP179)

Abstract

AbstractOwing to its excellent mechanical properties and good fluidity, polypropylene (PP) exhibits widespread applications; however, its unsatisfactory impact resistance hinders its further application. In this study, as a β‐nucleating agent, zinc adipate (ZnAA) was produced by the solution method. Next, the notch impact strength, melting index, and tensile strength of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) were adopted as indices, and ZnAA, hydrotalcite (HT), and PP (SP179) were added into iPP to modify it and render high performance. Furthermore, the structure and properties of modified PP were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry, as well as on an electronic universal material testing machine and a simple‐beam impact testing machine. Finally, the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of modified iPP was investigated by the Caze method. Results revealed that with the increase in the SP179 content to 50%, the maximum values of the notch impact strength and melting index of iPP of 26.01 KJ m−2 and 9.88 g (10 min)−1, respectively, are achieved, with a tensile strength of 28.22 MPa, and ZnAA, HT, and PP (SP179) have a synergistic effect on iPP modification. These results suggested that modified PP can be applied in more extensive fields, such as fenders, bumpers, and interior parts, with cost‐effectiveness.