Polypropylene Reactive Nanocomposites with Functional Nanoclays

Na-bentonite (local clay mineral) and Na-montmorillonite were treated with quaternary alkylammonium cations. The effect of the molecular structure and functional groups of the surfactants on the organoclays was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). For the preparation of nanocomposites, organoclays were melt-blended with polypropylene in a twin screw extruder and $Surlyn^{(R)$. ionomer was used as a reactive compatibilizer. The clay dispersions in the composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD spectra showed no peak at low angle indicated that the silicate clay layer has a nearly exfoliated dispersion in the polymer matrix. Thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites were higher than those of PP.