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Isotactic polypropylene (PP) modified by ABS and CaCO3 nanoparticles: effect of composition and compatibilization on the phase morphology, mechanical properties and fracture behavior

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Abstract

Attempt was made to improve the properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) by simultaneous incorporation of ABS and CaCO3 nanoparticles. The goal was to achieve a balanced toughness and stiffness by the development of ternary PP/ABS/CaCO3 nanocomposite. The effects of compatibilization and composition on the phase morphology, mechanical properties and deformation behavior under impact loadings were systematically studied. The phase structure and mechanical properties of binary PP/ABS and PP/CaCO3 systems was also investigated in detail to clarify the contribution of individual ABS and CaCO3 components in the macroscopic response of ternary hybrid. It was found that the ABS could effectively toughen the PP matrix by the suitable compatibilization. Moreover, the CaCO3 nanoparticles alone serve as stiffener and toughener in the material. Accordingly, the impact toughness of ternary PP/ABS/CaCO3 nanocomposites was larger than those of compatibilized PP/ABS blend and PP/CaCO3 system and, therefore, much higher than that of unmodified iPP. The mechanical properties and toughening mechanisms of different binary and ternary samples were rationalized by fractographic analysis. In the case of Izod impact-fractured samples, the characteristics of fractured surfaces were closely examined at the crack initiation and propagation stages of the impact fracture process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Polymer Engineering, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran

    Omid Momen & Neda Jahangiri

  2. Polymer Engineering Department, Institute of Polymeric Materials, Sahand University of Technology, Sahand New Town, Tabriz, Iran

    Majid Mehrabi-Mazidi

Authors
  1. Omid Momen
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  2. Majid Mehrabi-Mazidi
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  3. Neda Jahangiri
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Correspondence to Majid Mehrabi-Mazidi.

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Momen, O., Mehrabi-Mazidi, M. & Jahangiri, N. Isotactic polypropylene (PP) modified by ABS and CaCO3 nanoparticles: effect of composition and compatibilization on the phase morphology, mechanical properties and fracture behavior. Polym. Bull. 72, 2757–2782 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-015-1434-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-015-1434-0

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