(657a) Nanoscale Dispersion of POSS in PP Assisted by Sorbitol Nucleating Agents | AIChE

(657a) Nanoscale Dispersion of POSS in PP Assisted by Sorbitol Nucleating Agents

Authors 

Jana, S. C. - Presenter, University of Akron
Lee, B. J. - Presenter, University of Akron
Roy, S. - Presenter, University of Akron


The study developed fundamental understanding of nanocomposite formation by ?bottom-up? self-assembly of inorganic-organic hybrid molecules, such as polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) in polypropylene (PP) matrix. A nucleating agent compatible with POSS was used to promote dispersion of POSS molecules and to provide templates for self-assembly of POSS molecules into spherical and cylindrical nanoparticles of 25-200 nm diameter. Typical formulations containing 0.3-0.7 wt% nucleating agent and 0-30 wt% POSS were spun into fibers and converted into films and their mechanical properties studied. It was found that the addition of POSS helped increase the draw-down ratio substantially. The maximum tensile properties of spun fibers were obtained with 10 wt% POSS. Microscopic POSS particles formed at POSS concentration higher than 10 wt%. The optimum formulation resulted in a 50% reduction in fiber diameter, 70% increase in tensile modulus, and 30% increase in tensile strength compared to unfilled PP. The interactions between POSS and nucleating agents were studied using infra-red spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and oscillatory shear rheology. It was found that fibrillation of nucleating agent was subdued due to hydrogen bonding interactions with POSS.

Checkout

This paper has an Extended Abstract file available; you must purchase the conference proceedings to access it.

Checkout

Do you already own this?

Pricing

Individuals

AIChE Pro Members $150.00
AIChE Graduate Student Members Free
AIChE Undergraduate Student Members Free
AIChE Explorer Members $225.00
Non-Members $225.00