Effects of an organic phosphorus nucleating agent on crystallization behaviors and mechanical properties of poly(propylene)

The effects of an organic phosphorus nucleating agent on the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of poly(propylene) were investigated. As the concentration of nucleating agent increased from 0 to 0.8%, the tensile and flexural strengths of the nucleated poly(propylene) resin increased by 15%, the flexural modulus increased by 35%, the crystallization peak temperature increased by 10degreesC, and the nucleation density (calculated with the nonlinear Voltrra integral equation) increased by 10(6) times. Mechanical properties increased with nucleation density. Linear equations between the mechanical properties and the logarithmic nucleation density were revealed. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.