| Properties of polymer-clay nanocomposites depend on the degree of dispersion of clay in the polymer matrix. Currently off-line techniques such as transmission electron microscope and x-ray diffraction are used to determine dispersion. This research aimed to determine a property that is affected by dispersion and has the ability to be measured on-line. Polypropylene and montmorillonite clay were melt blended with the aid of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene compatibilizer. The mechanical, electrical, optical, and rheological properties were measured for all the trials. Transmission electron microscopy and tensile properties were performed to evaluate the results. The capacitance of the nanocomposites varied with changes in the degree of dispersion. The rheological properties at low shear rates also gave a good indication of exfoliation of clay layers. The visible color test could not give a definite indication of dispersion as compared to the other properties. Therefore, capacitance and viscosity offer promise as on-line measurement for the dispersion of nanoparticulates in polymer matrices. |
