No CrossRef data available.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) contained 30 wt.% PP and 70 wt.% SEBS-g-MA, and its nanocomposites reinforced with 0.3 -1.5 wt.% organoclay (OMMT; Cloisite 30B) by a two-step melt mixing followed by injection molding. The microstructure and mechanical behavior of the TPO/OMMT nanocomposites were investigated. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed the absence of basal diffracting peak of OMMT in TPO/OMMT, suggesting formation of intercalated/exfoliated nanocomposites. Tensile tests showed that the stiffness, yield strength and tensile strength of TPO can be enhanced by adding low loading levels of OMMT. Thus, OMMT can reinforce TPO due to their large aspect ratios. Moreover, there was no reduction in the impact strength of the TPO/OMMT nanocomposites associated with the clay additions.