Abstract
Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber is known as a good toughening agent of polypropylene (PP) and is successfully employed in three-component blends containing inorganic nanoparticles (such as nano-SiO2/EPDM/PP). Therefore, this elastomer was introduced into poly(ethylacrylate)-grafted nano-SiO2 (SiO2-g-PEA)/PP composites, with the objective of increasing the notch impact strength of the system while maintaining the static mechanical performance. SiO2-g-PEA was selected because of its greater toughening ability provided by the compliant nature of PEA molecular chains. It was expected that a synergistic effect originating from the addition of PEA grafted nano-silica and EPDM would be perceived. It is concluded from the tests that, although pregrafted nano-SiO2 particles are not good enough to reduce the notch sensitivity of PP, a combination of the grafted nanoparticles and elastomeric modifier is able to significantly increase the toughness of PP including the notch impact resistance while basically maintaining the tensile strength. 25 refs.