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Composites and filled materials based on polypropylene (PP) matrix have wide commercial applications.
Existing particulate fillers micron size particles, for example flakes or powders (chalk, mica etc) offer only marginal improvements in specific properties of polypropylene homopolymers. In some cases a reduction in properties is observed due to the agglomeration of powder particles.
Some of the properties of nanocomposites, such as increased tensile strength, may be achieved by using higher conventional filler loading at the expense of increased weight and decreased gloss. Other properties of nanocomposites such as clarity or improved barrier properties cannot be duplicated by filled resins at any loading.
Above figure will give you an idea about the scale of 'NANO' - and minuteness of what we are talking about.
Property Virgin PP Nanocomposites Talc Compound Glass Fibre compound Loading level ---- 6% 20% 15% Density 100 103 116 107 Flexural Modulus 100 180 150 210 Impact 100 120 85 140 Tensile Properties 100 115 105 120 HDT 100 130 115 130
Further viscosity of polymer decreases slightly due to addition of nanoclay compared to high increase in viscosity by addition of most of the fillers. (This phenomenon has not yet explained fully) This decrease is helpful for ease in processing of composites.
