Effect of graphene oxide on the properties of compatibilized polypropylene/ethylene-propylene-rubber blend

Abstract

In this work, the effect of graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives on the mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of nanocomposites based on polypropylene/ethylene-propylene rubber (PP/EPR) were investigated. In order to achieve a better dispersion of the nanofiller and to enhance its interaction with the polymer matrix, amine and alcohol grafted polypropylene were used as compatibilizers. These compatibilizers were synthesized by the reaction of polypropylene-grafted anhydride maleic (PP-g-MAH) with 1,12-dodecanediamine and 1,12-dodecanediol, respectively in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) by melt mixing. The nanocomposites were prepared via melt blending masterbatch process using Brabender mixer. The addition of functionalized GO and compatibilizers improved the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of PP/EPR nanocomposite. While the elongation and Izod impact strength were adversely affected. Furthermore, the TGA analysis showed that the incorporation of GO and compatibilizers improve significantly the thermal stability. SEM micrographs of the fractured surfaces of the nanocomposites revealed a good dispersion of functionalized GO in the polymer matrix.