Morphological, Mechanical, Thermal and Scratch Deformation Performance of Polypropylene-based Clay Nanocomposites

Application of thermoplastic olefins such as polypropylene has been vastly increased in recent years [1]. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most utilized plastics that are due to its good combination of properties, recyclability, and low price. Although, some drawbacks may limit its utilization such as its deprived low temperature impact strength, surface crazing, poor scratch resistance, etc. Recently, Misra and co-workers [2, 3] studied the micromechanisms of stress whitening in thermoplastic materials as an important constituent of the tensile deformation behavior [4]. The relationship between deformation mechanisms and scratch visibility has generally been examined employing the phenomena of light scattering and reflection from scratches [5]. More recently inorganic nanoparticles are being increasingly utilized as additives to enhance polymer performance, providing numerous commercial opportunities. Low volume additions (1–5%) of nanoparticles, such as layered silicates, provide property improvements with respect to the neat polymer that are comparable to that achieved by conventional loadings (15–40%) of traditional fillers. The lower loadings facilitate processing and reduce component weight. Incorporating minerals in the polymer matrix; provides additional nucleation sites with consequent increase in crystallinity.