Use of new synthetic talc as reinforcing nanofillers for polypropylene and polyamide 6 systems: Thermal and mechanical properties

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science Vol. 403; pp. 29 - 42
• Main Authors: Yousfi, M., Livi, S., Dumas, A., Le Roux, C., Crépin-Leblond, J., Greenhill-Hooper, M., Duchet-Rumeau, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Inc 01-08-2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; crystal structure; Dispersions; energy; Engineering Sciences; Exact sciences and technology; extrusion; hydrophilicity; isoelectric point; Materials; Mechanical properties; melting; modulus of elasticity; Morphology; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Polyamide 6; Polyamide resins; polyamides; Polymer industry, paints, wood; polyolefin; Polypropylene; Polypropylenes; Surface properties; Synthetic nanometric talc; talc; Talcs; Technology of polymers; Thermal stability; transmission electron microscopy; X-ray diffraction; Polyamide 6; Mechanical properties; Synthetic nanometric talc; Polypropylene; Morphology; Thermal stability; Thermal properties; Nylon; Talc; Propylene polymer; Nanocomposite; Composite material
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2013.04.019

•Physico-chemical characterization of nanotalcs.•Nanostructuring of new synthetic nanotalc in polyamide 6 and polypropylene matrices.•Improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites.
New layered synthetic nanotalc prepared at a lab-scale by a conventional hydrothermal process and commercial natural fine talc were used in order to establish a comparative study in terms of their contributions on the improvement of the final properties of two different polymers: a nonpolar polyolefin matrix and a polyamide. All samples were prepared by melt extrusion in a co-rotating microcompounder. The surface properties of talc – surface energy and isoelectric point – were probed. The particles’ crystalline structure and the distribution/dispersion within the polymer matrix were performed using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The effect of talc particles on the crystallinity, the thermal and mechanical properties was highlighted as a function of the surface properties of talc. In the case of talc-filled PP systems, it seems that the incorporation of both natural and synthetic talc greatly improves the thermal stability of polypropylene matrix. The highest elastic modulus was obtained in presence of highly nucleating natural talc. Oppositely, the best ductility was observed for the synthetic talc-filled PP systems. For PA6/talc nanocomposites, a remarkable improvement in the dispersion of talc layers was shown and a significant increase in Young’s modulus was determined due to the closer affinity between the hydrophilic nanotalc lamellae and the polar PA6 matrix.