Loading...

A new polypropylene/clay nanocomposite for replacement of engineering plastics in automotive application

Zokaei, S ; Sharif University of Technology | 2012

877 Viewed
  1. Type of Document: Article
  2. Publisher: SPE , 2012
  3. Abstract:
  4. Polypropylene matrix nanocomposites reinforced with organoclay are investigated and their ability to replace some polyamide automotive parts is evaluated. This is so interesting from industrial point of view because of cost saving and ease of processing and recycling. This work is focused on different nanocomposite systems which are PP/nanoclay, and PP/PA/nanoclay. Also the effect of compatibilizer is presented here. Structure of these systems are studied by using WAXD, TEM and SEM. Mechanical properties of specimens are studied using uniaxial tensile test. As it will be demonstrated, nanoclay sheets tend to disperse in PA particles. On the other hand, introducing nanoclay into PP/PA blends is proven to have a significant effect on the shape and size of PA particles. In addition, incorporation of nanoclay and compatibilizer into PP matrix directly affected the elastic modulus and yield strength, respectively. Finally, it is observed that among different formulations, PP/PA/nanoclay with PP-g-MA shows the most similar mechanical properties in comparison to neat PA. Based on these results, an automotive part (hubcap which is usually made from PA) was manufactured and its performance investigated in service situations as a case study. Automotive manufacturers' standards were considered and all results were satisfactory
  5. Keywords:
  6. Automotive applications ; Automotive manufacturers ; Automotive parts ; Cost saving ; Engineering plastics ; Nano clays ; Nanocomposite systems ; Polypropylene matrices ; PP matrix ; Shape and size ; Uniaxial tensile test ; Mechanical properties ; Plastic products ; Tensile testing ; Nanocomposites
  7. Source: Annual Technical Conference - ANTEC, Conference Proceedings ; Volume 1 , 2012 , Pages 102-109 ; 9781622760831 (ISBN)
  8. URL: http://www.4spe.org/Resources/resource.aspx?ItemNumber=6010