Evaluation of graphene incorporation for mechanical properties of polypropylene composites

Abstract

Graphene nanoparticles (GnP) was selected as an alternative reinforcement, nanofillers, to enhance the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP-homo and PP-copolymer) and using compatibilizer, maleic anhydride graphitized with polypropylene (PP-g-MA) in a twin-screw extruder. The effect of GnP loading and the use of the PP-g- MA compatibilizer were studied. The influence on the mechanical properties of tensile strength, elongation, IZOD impact strength, and melting temperature in PP-homo and PP-copolymer were investigated and compared. Their improvement was observed up to a certain amount, depending on whether it is a homopolymer or copolymer. The PP copolymer has a greater affinity with graphene and the compatibilizer due to the elastomeric comonomer present in the copolymer.