Preparation and nucleation effect of a novel compound nucleating agent carboxylated graphene/calcium pimelate for isotactic polypropylene

A highly efficient compound nucleating agent of carboxylated graphene/calcium pimelate (Gra/CaPi) for isotactic polypropylene (iPP) was prepared. The structure of Gra/CaPi was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of Gra/CaPi on the crystallization and melting behaviors and crystalline morphology of iPP were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, wide-angle X-ray diffraction and polarized optical microscopy. The results showed that CaPi and Gra were combined by chemical bonds, improved the dispersibility and nucleation ability of Gra in iPP. When the addition amount of Gra/CaPi in iPP was 0.3 mass%, the crystallization peak temperature was increased by 8.0 °C and the relative content of β-crystal in iPP reached up to 0.868 compared with that of pure iPP.