Effect of carbon nanotubes on the crystallization and properties of polypropylene

The effect of different concentrations of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics, morphology, and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) matrix composites obtained by melt compounding was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Microscopy showed well-dispersed nanotube ropes together with small and large aggregates. The modulus was found to increase by about 75% at a level of 0.5 wt % nanotubes. The SWNTs displayed a clear nucleating effect on the PP crystallization, favoring the alpha crystalline form rather than the beta form. The crystallization kinetics analysis showed a significant increase in activation energy on incorporating nanotubes. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.