Studies on the effects of cenosphere on polypropylene matrix using silane coupling agent

Abstract

Present research concentrates on the effects of a silane coupling agent on the properties and dispersibility of the polypropylene (PP)-cenosphere composite system. Improving the interfacial interaction between the hydrophobic PP matrix and cenosphere particles is important to get a good combination of properties. 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane and glycidyl methacrylate–grafted polypropylene (PP-g-GMA) were used as a coupling agent and compatibilizer, respectively. The surface characteristics of untreated and treated cenosphere and PP-g-GMA were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The silane treated and untreated cenosphere particles were incorporated as fillers into PP and PP-g-GMA matrix composites by mixing at different weight ratios. Such cenosphere-filled polymer composites possess attractive mechanical, thermal, morphological, flow, dispersion and chemical resistance properties.