Improved performance of polypropylene/talc composites

LUCIANA CASTILLO; SILVIA BARBOSA; NUMA CAPIATI

PLASTIC RESEARCH ONLINE

Wiley

Año: 2012 p. 1 - 2

Talc is attractive as a filler for polypropylene (PP) for several reasons. For example, it has a positive nucleation effect on PP crystallization and offers relatively high strength and stiffness. In addition, talc is an abundant, low-cost source of laminar particles. However, delamination, dispersion, and distribution of talc within the polymer and matrix-particle interface all have a significant effect on the performance of PP/talc composites. Untreated talc tends to agglomerate when it is compounded with PP, resulting in poor dispersion. Moreover, low compatibility between PP and the talc surface leads to poor interfacial adhesion and results in a composite with poor mechanical properties. Trabajo escrito a solicitud de Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) para su publicación on-line por su potencial tecnológico y la posibilidad de aplicación en las industrias del sector.