Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Enhanced crystallization property and equilibrious mechanical properties of a novel self-assembly nucleating system based phosphate for polypropylene

  • Original paper
  • Published:
Journal of Polymer Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The macroscopic properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) are closely related to the microscopic crystallization characteristics. It is significant to design and fabricate nucleating agent which can regulate the crystallization property of iPP efficiently. Here, a novel self-assembly nucleating system (MBP-Z13Xa) was tailored by impregnating 2,2′-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate (MBP) on zeolite carrier 13X (Z13X). The excellent system endowed iPP with brilliant crystallization performance and mechanical properties including rigidity and toughness. The results showed that the binding energy (BE) between MBP and Z13X calculated by using density functional theory (DFT) was 35.6 kcal/mol, much higher than that of MBP themselves (6.5 kcal/mol), which meant that MBP tended to associate with Z13X more easily than with itself. As a result, the novel self-assembly nucleating system MBP-Z13Xa embodied well dispersion was obtained at the driving of hydrogen bonding interaction between Z13X and MBP verified by FTIR. In point of the novel nucleating system, the incorporation of Z13X made MBP disperse uniformly. The structure matching between MBP-Z13Xa and iPP finally enhanced the crystallization and mechanical properties of iPP. The better mutual interaction between appropriate structure of MBP-Z13Xa and iPP segments obtained when the mass ratio of Z13X to MBP was adjusted to 1.4. MBP-Z13X1.4 not only increased the crystallization peak temperature about 7.5 °C, but also enhanced flexural modulus and impact strength of iPP by 23% and 15% respectively, showing equilibrious improvement between rigidity and toughness.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Beuguel Q et al (2018) Crystallization behavior of polypropylene/graphene nanoplatelets composites. Polym Crystallization. https://doi.org/10.1002/pcr2.10024

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Ding Q et al (2018) Effect of hybrid wollastonite with different nucleation and morphology on the crystallization and mechanical properties of polypropylene. Polym Compos 40:645. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.24925

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Feng B et al (2017) Improving crystallization behaviors of isotactic polypropylene via a new POSS-sorbitol compound. Polym Eng Sci 57:357–364. https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.24430

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Li M et al (2013) Preparation, antimicrobial, crystallization and mechanical properties of nano-ZnO-supported zeolite filled polypropylene random copolymer composites. Compos Sci Technol 81:30–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2013.03.020

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Zhou S et al (2016) Relationship between molecular structure, crystallization behavior, and mechanical properties of long chain branching polypropylene. J Mater Sci 51:5598–5608. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-016-9856-0

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Ye J et al (2018) Transcrystalline induced by MWCNTs and organic nucleating agents at the interface of glass fiber/polypropylene. Polym Compos 39:3424–3433. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.24360

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Mileva D et al (2012) Homogeneous nucleation and mesophase formation in glassy isotactic polypropylene. Polymer 53:277–282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2011.11.064

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Uthaipan N et al (2017) Effects of crosslinked elastomer particles on heterogeneous nucleation of isotactic PP in dynamically vulcanized EPDM/PP and EOC/PP blends. J Polym Res 24:118. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-017-1279-3

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Zhou Y-G, Su B, Wu H-H (2017) Effect of Cold-Drawn Fibers on the Self-Reinforcement of PP/LDPE Composites. J Mater Eng Perform 26:4072–4082. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-017-2823-3

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Yue Y, Feng J (2019) Structure evolution upon heating and cooling and its effects on nucleation performance: A review on aromatic amide β-nucleating agents for isotactic polypropylene. Polym Crystallization. https://doi.org/10.1002/pcr2.10049

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Abraham F et al (2013) A New Class of Ultra-Efficient Supramolecular Nucleating Agents for Isotactic Polypropylene. Macromolecular Chem Phys 214:17–24. https://doi.org/10.1002/macp.201200487

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Zhang Y-F et al (2015) Properties and Crystallization Behaviors of Isotactic Polypropylene Under Action of an Effective Nucleating Agent. J Macromolecular Sci Part B 54:1019–1028. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222348.2015.1060404

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Zhang Y-F et al (2017) Isothermal Crystallization of Isotactic Polypropylene Nucleated with a Novel Aromatic Heterocyclic Phosphate Nucleating Agent. J Macromolecular Sci Part B 56:811–820. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222348.2017.1385360

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Long L et al (2016) Joint effects of molecular structure and crystal morphology of organophosphate monovalent salts on nucleated isotactic poly(propylene). J Polym Res 23:206. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-016-1102-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Long L et al (2015) Nucleation effects of sodium and ammonium salts of 2,2′-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-t-butylphenylene)phosphate in isotactic polypropylene. Polym Eng Sci 55:22–28. https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.23862

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Zhang Y-F, Xin Z (2006) Effects of substituted aromatic heterocyclic phosphate salts on properties, crystallization, and melting behaviors of isotactic polypropylene. J Appl Polym Sci 100:4868–4874. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.23209

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Ding C et al (2019) Effect of surfactant assisted β-nucleating agent self-assembly on the crystallization of polypropylene. Polymer 184:121895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2019.121895

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Chang B et al (2018) Influence of nucleating agent self-assembly on structural evolution of isotactic polypropylene during uniaxial stretching. Polymer 138:329–342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2018.01.081

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. He X et al (2016) Root-like glass fiber with branched fiber prepared via molecular self-assembly. RSC Adv 6:45492–45494. https://doi.org/10.1039/c6ra07240b

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Shi S et al (2017) Polypropylene/polyamide blend featuring mechanical interlocking via controlled interfacial diffusion and recrystallization. Polymer 132:23–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2017.10.059

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Yue Y et al (2018) The effect of structure evolution upon heat treatment on the beta-nucleating ability of calcium pimelate in isotactic polypropylene. Polymer 149:55–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2018.06.060

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Roy S et al (2011) Sorbitol–POSS Interactions on Development of Isotactic Polypropylene Composites. Macromolecules 44:8064–8079. https://doi.org/10.1021/ma201595j

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Shi S et al (2016) Crystalline modification and morphology of polypropylene developed under the combined effects of montmorillonite and self-assembly β nucleating agent. Compos Sci Technol 135:76–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2016.09.014

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Meng X et al (2019) Promotion of zeolite as dispersion support for properties improvement of α nucleating agent in polypropylene. J Polym Res 26:105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-019-1757-x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Pinder JW, Richards FM (1987) An efficient Newton-like method for molecular mechanics energy minimization of large molecules. J Comput Chem 8:1016–1024. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcc.540080710

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Lee C, Yang W, Parr RG (1988) Development of the Colle-Salvetti correlation-energy formula into a functional of the electron density. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 37:785–789. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.37.785

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Tatlier M, Munz G, Henninger SK (2018) Relation of water adsorption capacities of zeolites with their structural properties. Microporous Mesoporous Mater 264:70–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2017.12.031

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Qu Z et al (2020) Surface functionalization of few-layer black phosphorene and its flame retardancy in epoxy resin. Chem Eng J 382:122991. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2019.122991

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Shi S, Yang C, Nie M (2017) Enhanced interfacial strength of natural fiber/polypropylene composite with mechanical-interlocking interface. ACS Sustain Chem Eng 5:10413–10420. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.7b02448

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Hu D et al (2016) Exploring supramolecular self-assembly of a bisamide nucleating agent in polypropylene melt: The roles of hydrogen bond and molecular conformation. Polymer 93:123–131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2016.04.033

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Huang P et al (2017) Root-like natural fibers in polypropylene prepared via directed diffusion and self-assembly driven by hydrogen bonding. RSC Adv 7:32193–32197. https://doi.org/10.1039/c7ra05095j

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Guo M et al (2014) Ultrafine dispersion of a phosphate nucleating agent in a polypropylene matrix via the microemulsion method. RSC Adv 4:11931. https://doi.org/10.1039/c3ra46244g

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Zhang Z et al (2010) A novel highly efficient β-nucleating agent for polypropylene using nano-CaCO3 as a support. Polym Int 59:1199–1204. https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.2847

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Zhang Y et al (2018) Crystalline modification of a rare earth nucleating agent for isotactic polypropylene based on its self-assembly. R Soc Open Sci 5:180247. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.180247

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  35. Zhang YF, Zhou PZ, Li Y (2019) The influences of α/β compound nucleating agents based on octamethylenedicarboxylic dibenzoylhydrazide on crystallization and melting behavior of isotactic polypropylene. Polym Adv Technol 30:1777–1788. https://doi.org/10.1002/pat.4610

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the financial support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 21776079).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase, Materials Chemical Engineering and Production Engineering Department, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People’s Republic of China

    Zhaopeng Deng, Zhong Xin, Xin Meng, Min Fan & Weiguang Gong

  2. Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd, Shandong, Yantai, 264000, People’s Republic of China

    Chuangchuang Tong

  3. Shanghai Research Institute of China Shenhua Coal to Liquid Chemical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 20110, People’s Republic of China

    Cheng Shu

Authors
  1. Zhaopeng Deng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Chuangchuang Tong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zhong Xin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xin Meng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Min Fan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Weiguang Gong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Cheng Shu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Zhong Xin: conceptualization, supervision, resources, project administration, writing-reviewing; Xin Meng: conceptualization, supervision, resources, project administration, writing-reviewing, editing, and funding acquisition; Zhaopeng Deng: investigation, validation, formal analysis, data curation, visualization, writing-original draft, writing-reviewing and editing; Chuangchuang Tong and Min Fan: conceptualization, methodology, software, writing-reviewing and editing; Weiguang Gong and Cheng Shu: supervision and investigation.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xin Meng.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary file1 (DOCX 279 KB)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Deng, Z., Tong, C., Xin, Z. et al. Enhanced crystallization property and equilibrious mechanical properties of a novel self-assembly nucleating system based phosphate for polypropylene. J Polym Res 29, 297 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-022-03157-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-022-03157-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation