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Development of nanoparticle-filled polypropylene-based single polymer composite foams.
Ákos Görbe1, László József Varga1, Tamás Bárány1,2
1Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary.
Heliyon
|October 9, 2023
Summary
This study developed nanoparticle-filled polypropylene composites with enhanced energy absorption and stiffness. Foaming and multi-wall carbon nanotube reinforcement significantly improved properties without compromising impact performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Single polymer composites (SPCs) offer tunable properties for various applications.
- Enhancing energy absorption and stiffness in polymer foams is crucial for structural integrity.
- Nanoparticle reinforcement presents a pathway to improve mechanical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and investigate nanoparticle-filled polypropylene-based single polymer composite foams.
- To enhance the energy absorption and stiffness of SPCs through matrix modification.
- To evaluate the effect of foaming and multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforcement on composite properties.
Main Methods:
- Production of SPCs using polypropylene fabric reinforcement and amorphous poly-alpha-olefin (APAO) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)/APAO blend matrices.
- Application of a foaming process to enhance energy absorption.
- Incorporation of MWCNTs into the matrices for nano-reinforcement.
- Characterization of mechanical properties (tensile, impact) and matrix impregnation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Main Results:
- Foaming significantly increased energy absorption of SPCs while preserving tensile properties relative to density.
- APAO matrix showed better fabric impregnation due to low viscosity, leading to more effective foaming.
- Composites with TPE/APAO matrices exhibited superior tensile properties.
- MWCNT reinforcement enhanced stiffness and tensile properties without negatively impacting impact performance.
- SEM confirmed improved MWCNT dispersion within APAO matrices.
Conclusions:
- Matrix modification, foaming, and MWCNT reinforcement are effective strategies to enhance the performance of polypropylene-based SPCs.
- The developed composite foams demonstrate a promising balance of high energy absorption, stiffness, and retained impact properties.
- The study highlights the potential of tailored SPCs for applications requiring lightweight and robust materials.
