Modeling of tensile properties, dispersion studies, and hardness evaluation of Cloisite 30B in polypropylene with Elvaloy AC 3427 as compatibilizer

Abstract

The engineering applications of thermoplastics have been increased in the last few years by blending the thermoplastic polymer with fillers, which is a common methodology to develop thermoplastic polymer with boosted properties. In this investigation, the polypropylene thermoplastic polymer and Cloisite 30B (1, 2, 3, and 5 wt. %) as a nano filler with Elvaloy AC 3427 were mixed using Twin screw. The Elvaloy AC 3427 was used as a compatibilizer to enhance the dispersion of Cloisite 30B in polypropylene matrix. The polypropylene/Cloisite 30B/Elvaloy AC 3427 nanocomposite was investigated with X-ray diffraction shows an increase in d-spacing with an intercalated structure. Polypropylene/Cloisite 30B/Elvaloy AC 3427 nanocomposite was mechanically and metallurgically characterized. To validate the tensile properties of polypropylene/Cloisite 30B/Elvaloy AC 3427 nanocomposites, different mathematical modeling was used. The result shows an improvement in properties due to the fine dispersion of Cloisite 30B in polypropylene matrix in the presence of Elvaloy AC 3427 compatibilizer, and the same was justified with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy.