Effect of tungsten disulfide nanotubes on the thermomechanical properties of polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride nanocomposites

Apostolos Baklavaridis, Ioannis Tsiaoussis, Costas Panayiotou, Ioannis Zuburtikudis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this work, the influence of tungsten disulfide nanotubes (INT-WS2) on the mechanical, thermal, structural, and morphological characteristics of Polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PPGMA) nanocomposites is investigated. The addition of 5% INT-WS2increases the Young's Modulus by 28.5% and the storage modulus by 196.5% (in the rubbery state). Furthermore, the nanocomposites' thermal stability increases (up to 10 °C) with the addition of INT-WS2. Transmission electron microscopy observations of the nanocomposites revealed that nanotubes' length is significantly reduced during processing and that nanotubes are well-dispersed inside the PPGMA matrix. DSC results indicated that INT-WS2serve as nucleating agents in PPGMA. Moreover, AFM observations (coupled with DSC results) suggested the formation of fibrillar crystallites in the nanocomposites. This interfacial crystalline structure seems to interpose between the PPGMA and INT-WS2. Thus, it plays a crucial role in the load transfer from the amorphous part of the polymer to the rather stiff INT-WS2.

Original languageEnglish
Article number43887
JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume133
Issue number35
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 15 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • composites
  • functionalization of polymers
  • graphene and fullerenes
  • mechanical properties
  • nanotubes
  • thermal properties

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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