Evaluation of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polypropylene Modified with Nanostructured ZSM-5 Zeolite

Polypropylene (PP) has been one of the most widely used polymers due to the versatility and cost bene 􀀓ts obtained with this material. In this work, composites of PP modi􀀓ed with nanostructured ZSM-5 (Zeolite Socony Mobil–5) zeolite were prepared and their thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated. Zeolites were synthesized by hydrothermal method and the crystallization time was modi􀀓ed to evaluate the effect of that parameter on zeolites properties. Scanning electron microscopy, thermal analyses, X-ray analysis, among others, were used to zanalyze the nanostructured particles. Composites were prepared by melt mixing in a torque rheometer and compression molding. After obtaining the composites, mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated. The results showed that some properties (surface area, and crystallinity) of zeolites depend on the crystallization time. Young’s modulus and elongation at rupture of composites were modi􀀓ed when the zeolites were added to the polymer matrix. No signi􀀓cant modi􀀓cations were found on thermal properties.