Effect of Compatibilizer on Morphology, Thermal, and Rheological Properties of Polypropylene/Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Composite

Multi-walled carbon nantubes (MWCNTs) filled polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by a corotating intermeshing twin screw extruder. To improve the dispersion of MWCNTs, the surface of MWCNT was modified with 1,10-diaminodecane, and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) was used as a compatibilizer. Micrographs of well dispersed functionalized MWCNTs (diamine-MWCNT) were observed due to the reaction between MA-g-PP and diamine-MWCNT in PP/MA-g-PP/diamine-MWCNTs composites. The different behaviors in crystallization and melting temperatures of PP/MA-g-PP/diamine-MWCNTs composite were observed compared to PP and PP/neat-MWCNT. Especially, the decomposition temperature of the composite was increased by 50 degrees C compared to PP. PP/MA-g-PP/diamine-MWCNTs composite showed the highest complex viscosity. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 111: 1028-1033, 2009