Study on the photodegradation of nanocomposites based on polypropylene and TiO2 nanotubes. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zapata, Paula A.; Zenteno, Andrés; Amigó, Nicolás; Rabagliati, Franco M.; Sepúlveda, Francisco; Catalina, Fernando; Corrales, Teresa
• Is Part Of: Polymer degradation and stability. Volume 133(2016:Nov.)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Polypropylene -- Nanocomposites -- TiO2 nanotubes -- Photoaged polypropylene; Polymers -- Deterioration -- Periodicals; Stabilizing agents -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Dégradation -- Périodiques; Stabilisants -- Périodiques; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.08.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-3910

Abstract

Abstract: Composites of polypropylene (PP) were synthesized by the melting process in the presence of titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2 -Ntbs). Nanotubes were used either as synthesized or organically modified with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (Mod-TiO2 -Ntbs). The photoageing of the neat PP and PP-TiO2 -Ntbs was studied during 10 days. The nanotubes incorporated into the PP promoted and accelerated its photodegradation due to reactive species generated during irradiation. PP-Mod-TiO2 -Ntbs composites with 8% of modified nanotubes produced the highest degradation according to chemiluminescence analysis (CL), carbonyl index (CI), degree of crystallinity (%χ), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, SEM analysis after photoageing the polymers presented several cavities of ca. 5 μm.