Effect of various acid neutralizers on the crystallization temperature of nucleated polypropylene

Abstract Polypropylene is often nucleated with sodium benzoate in order to raise its crystallization temperature ( T OC ). Conventional wisdom holds that calcium stearate is detrimental to T OC elevation because it chemically interacts with the sodium benzoate. This paper examines the effect of calcium stearate, sodium stearate, calcium lactate, and other substances on the T OC of nucleated polypropylene. We have found a definite effect on T OC elevation that correlates with neutralizer type. However, we find little evidence of chemistry occurring directly between neutralizer and nucleator.