Effects of Nano-sized Calcium Carbonate on Physico-Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polypropylene/Wood Fiber Nanocomposites |
Paper ID : 1447-UFGNSM-FULL |
Authors: |
Abstract: |
This study presents the effects of nano precipitated calcium carbonate (NPCC) on the mechanical, thermal and physical properties of polypropylene/wood fiber composites. Using polypropylene as the thermoplastic matrix polymer, poplar fiber as the reinforcing filler, maleated polypropylene (PP-g-MAH) as the coupling agent, and precipitated calcium carbonate as the nano-sized filler, reinforced composites were prepared. The mass ratio of the wood fiber to polymer was 30/70 (w/w). In the sample preparation five levels of NPCC loading (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt%) were used along with 5% of PP-g-MAH for all compounds. The composites were fabricated by melt compounding in a twin-screw extruder and then by injection molding. The mechanical test results clearly showed that the flexural modulus was increased up to 11.8% and the impact strength was improved by 22.49% which are associated with the 5 and 7.5% NPCC content respectively. The addition of NPCC on the elongation at break was also investigated. Then the Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was carried out to evaluate the crystallinity and thermal behavior of composites and neat PP as well. The overall DSC results were in agreement with that of mechanical tests. The water absorption test was finally performed that the results indicate a moderate reduction in water absorption in the presence of nanoparticles. |
Keywords: |
NPCC, PP-g-MAH, injection molding, flexural modulus, impact strength, DSC, crystallinity, elongation at break. |
Status : Paper Accepted (Poster Presentation) |