Effect of compatibilizer on morphology, thermal, and rheological properties of polypropylene/functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) filled polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by a corotating intermeshing twin screw extruder. To improve the dispersion of MWCNTs, the surface of MWCNT was modified with 1,10-diaminodecane, and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) was used as a compatibilizer. Micrographs of well dispersed functionalized MWCNTs (diamine-MWCNT) were observed due to the reaction between MA-g-PP and diamine-MWCNT in PP/MA-g-PP/diamine-MWCNTs composites. The different behaviors in crystallization and melting temperatures of PP/MA-g-PP/diamine-MWCNTs composite were observed compared to PP and PP/neat-MWCNT. Especially, the decomposition temperature of the composite was increased by 50°C compared to PP. PP/MA-g-PP/diamine-MWCNTs composite showed the highest complex viscosity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009