Influence of graphene oxide on the static and dynamic mechanical behavior of compatibilized polypropylene nanocomposites

Abstract Graphene oxide (GO) is a carbon-based filler which possesses superior properties for the preparation of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites. The homogeneous dispersion of nanofiller in a polymer matrix involves a compatibility between base and matrix. This research work analyzes the behavior of GO and its distribution in PP as well as the morphological, physical and mechanical properties of prepared nanocomposites. Since PP is non-polar and GO is polar, there may be a compatibility mismatch between filler and matrix, which may not lead to homogeneous distribution due to poor chemical interaction. Maleic-anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) was selected as a suitable compatibilizer in order to disperse filler into the matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals an increase in intergallery spacing which confirms the formation of GO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the improved distribution of GO sheets in the PP matrix for the compatibilized system. Tensile strength and modulus of elasticity are improved for the compatibilized PP nanocomposites when compared to the uncompatibilized and to the pure system. Moreover, an enhancement of storage modulus was evidenced for compatibilized nanocomposites. Polar-polar interaction between GO and compatibilizer leads to the homogeneous distribution of filler into the matrix which is clearly responsible for an improvement in the technical properties of polymer.