Cellulose and nanoclay utilized reinforcement agents in polypropylene

This work concerns the study of the mechanical properties and morphological of polypropylene hybrid nanocomposites with Brazilian smectite nanoclay the state of Paraiba (PB), at concentrations of 1, 2 and 5 % by weight nanoclay with the addition of 1 and 2 % by weight cellulose from discarded bond paper. Polypropylene with 3 % by weight polypropylene graft compatibilizer (PP-g-AM) was mixed of nanoclay/cellulose using a twin-screw extruder. The specimens were prepared by the injection process. The mechanical behavior was evaluated by strength, flexural strength and IZOD impact. In addition, clay and cellulose were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). With addition of cellulose in the polypropylene increased 8 % in strength and 21 % in IZOD impact test. By SEM was observed cellulose agglomeration in hybrid nanocomposites. (author)