Studies on Nanocomposites of Polypropylene and Polylactic Acid Blends Reinforced with Halloysite Nanotubes

Abstract

The studies in the field of polymer blends and composites have paved the ways to develop novel classes of materials in an economical approach. Blends and composites of polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) were chosen as the subject for the present investigation. The immiscible blend of PP and PLA were compatibilized by reactive compatibilization strategy using maleic anhydride grafted PP (MA-g-PP). The obtained blends were characterized by various characterization tools and the optimum composition was identified. Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were incorporated in the optimum blend to yield nanocomposites with superior properties. The characterization techniques used in the study provided mechanical, dynamic mechanical, thermal, rheological, structural, morphological and dielectrical behaviors of the blends and nanocomposites. newline