Effect of Additives on Polypropylene/Kaolin Composite Prepared via In-situ Process

Abstract

Polypropylene/Kaolin (PP/K) composites were prepared by in-situ process with additives, in particular ungrafted maleic anhydride (MA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) each at varied parts per hundred resin (1 phr, 3 phr, and 5 phr). The two-roll mixer machine was used in compounding of the PP/K composite, then all the samples were moulded through the injection moulding machine. The synthesized samples were investigated with the aim to seek the one with the best property among the composites. These samples were characterized by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), Melt flow index (MFI), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR spectrum reveals new peaks different from the PP bands signifying successful coupling and formation of the expected composite.  There were variations in respect of the values of index of fluidity 2.04 to 1.72 g/10min for PP/UK and between 2.04 to 1.98 g/10 min in favour of PP/TK as observed in the MFI result. SEM which studies the morphology of the composite demonstrates indication for delamination and eventually intercalation of the composite. Accordingly, there is promising effect in preparation of composite through this process.