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The Influence of Micro to Nano-Cellulose-Clay on the Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Polypropylene Nanocomposites

Syed Muhammad Imran, Ihsan Iqbal, Manwar Hussain

To improve the physical, mechanical, and biodegradable properties of Polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites it is important to add second- or third-phase fillers. In this study unique hybrid bio-nanocomposites were fabricated using microparticle cellulose powder from wastepaper with a Polypropylene (PP) polymeric matrix using a low-shear chaotic mixing method. A small amount (2%-5%) of layered micro clay was also added to investigate the hybrid effect of nanocomposites fabrication on the mechanical properties. A low-shear chaotic melt mixing method induces the formation of nano cellulose structures and layered clay nanoparticles via exfoliation. The nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Mechanical properties were investigated using an Izod impact tester (IZ), and a Dynamic Mechanical Testing Analyzer (DMTA). Further, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the microstructure of the nanocomposites. In addition, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were conducted to investigate the crystallinity and degradation of the samples, respectively. The addition of wastepaper cellulose powder below 2.5 wt.% did not improve the mechanical properties, however, improvements were observed when more than 5 wt.% wastepaper cellulose powder was added. With the addition of a small amount of nano-clay, the mechanical properties were significantly improved, and a synergistic effect could be noticed. The application areas can also cover lead production in paper cups and vacuum foaming.