In situ fibrillation of polypropylene/polyamide 6 blends: Effect of organoclay addition. Issue 12 (5th December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chomat, Dimitri; Soulestin, Jérémie; Lacrampe, Marie‐France; Sclavons, Michel; Krawczak, Patricia
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 132:Issue 12(2015:Jun. 15)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2014-12-05
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.41680
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p> <italic>In situ</italic> fibrillation of PP/PA6 blends (85/15 wt %) is investigated in presence of two kinds of organically modified montmorillonite, differing by the polarity of their surfactant. The organoclay is primary dispersed either in the PP (for the low‐polarity Cloisite® 15A) or in the PA6 (for the high‐polarity Cloisite® 30B), according to its assumed affinity. In absence of organoclay, a fibrillar morphology is achieved after the melt‐blending and hot‐stretching step, as evidenced by SEM analysis. Upon clay addition, different morphological trends are evidenced. The C15A leads to a refinement of the fibrils whether the C30B induces a transition from fibrillar to nodular structure. These trends are ascribed to drastic changes in viscosity and elasticity ratios, due to the filler initial localization. Several techniques (DSC, STEM) point out a C15A migration from the PP to the PP/PA6 interface. Rheological measurements highlight the possibility of a double‐percolation phenomenon, linked to the fibrillar microstructure of the PP/PA6/C15A blend. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. <bold>2015</bold>, <italic>132</italic>, 41680.</p> </abstract>