Abstract
Polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites consisting of E-glass are manufactured by the process of pultrusion. Thermal and mechanical characterization of nanocomposite has been performed and compared with that of traditional microcomposites. In addition, the nanocomposite is characterized by means of optical micrographs (OPM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TGA and DSC results show that nanoclay improves the thermal stability in the system without any deviation in glass transition temperature and melt temperature. Initially, PP and nanoclay are melt intercalated using a single-screw extruder and the pultruded nanocomposite is fabricated using extruded preimpregnated (pre-preg) tapes. Compression tests are performed as mandated by ASTM guidelines with 1—10 wt% of nanoclay in fiber reinforced PP. OPM are taken to examine the failure surfaces. TEM results reveal the intercalated morphology. Mechanical tests are performed at an independent testing facility for baseline pultruded PP nanocomposite with 0 wt% nanoclay and modified pultruded PP nanocomposite with 3 wt% nanoclay. The tests show significant improvement in compressive strength (~122%) and shear strength (~60%) in modified pultruded PP nanocomposites in comparison with baseline properties. Uni-axial tensile tests show a minor increase in tensile strength (~3.4%). Multi-scale simulations of nanoclay—polymer interface behavior are currently in progress in order to understand the strength enhancement mechanism.