Tensile Properties of Fibres spun from Compounded Nanocomposite of Aluminium Silicate Hydroxide/Polyolefin

Abstract

Nanocomposites fibers of different polypropylene (PP), a polyolefin type - Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide (Kaolinite) were prepared by melt compounding using a two-step process: melt-spinning and hot drawing at various draw ratios. Draw ratio up to 23 with elastic modulus of 19 GPa was observed for K20-HP and draw ratio of 9.5 with 7.6 GPa for K10-ATO were observed. TEM and FESEM revealed good dispersion of the kaolinite nanoparticles in polypropylene matrix, although at higher concentrations and lower draw ratios the nanoparticles showed increasing tendency to form small agglomerates. Thus drawing of K30-HP-30B and K20-ATO nanocomposites is difficult due to large agglomerates formations. Uniform distribution of kaolinite improved mechanical properties of the composite fibers.