Montmorillonite nanocomposites with electron-beam modified atactic polypropylene

The role of electron-beam modified atactic polypropylene (aPP) as a compatibilizer for non-polar aPP and polar nanoclay was studied. aPP was modified at room temperature with high-energy electrons at 200 kGy in an air atmosphere under reactive conditions (with an average dose rate of 10 kGy/h). FTIR studies showed the generation of specific polar functional groups in reactive electron-beam modified aPP compared to unreacted aPP. The modified aPP was used as a compatibilizer in non-polar aPP and organically modified montmorillonite (MMT). The addition of modified aPP improved the dispersion of MMT in the aPP matrix, as indicated by XRD, SEM, and TEM studies. The thermal properties were also improved which further supported better dispersion of modified MMT in aPP matrix due to compatibilizing action of reactive electron-beam modified aPP.