Study on the Migration Behaviors of Magnesium Oxysulfate Nano-Whiskers in Polypropylene Composites with Surface Modification

In this study, surface modification aimed to enhance the compatibility between a hydrophilic inorganic filler and polypropylene (PP) matrix using hydrophobic treatment. Lauric acid, butyl acrylate, and maleic anhydride were employed to modify the filler surface. After treatment, inorganic filler/PP...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jong Sung Won, Jeong Jin Park, Eun Hye Kang, Min Hong Jeon, Miyeon Kwon, Seung Goo Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-08-01
Series:Materials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/17/5899
Description
Summary:In this study, surface modification aimed to enhance the compatibility between a hydrophilic inorganic filler and polypropylene (PP) matrix using hydrophobic treatment. Lauric acid, butyl acrylate, and maleic anhydride were employed to modify the filler surface. After treatment, inorganic filler/PP composites were produced using melt-mixing and extrusion–injection molding processes. The study focused on investigating compatibility and migration behavior between the filler and matrix. The findings indicated that hydrophobic modification, specifically with butyl acrylate and maleic anhydride, improved migration issues in nano-whisker, while maintaining favorable mechanical properties even under accelerated thermal aging. However, excessive hydrophobicity induced by superhydrophobic treatment using lauric acid led to reduced compatibility with the matrix, compromising its effectiveness. Consequently, the study revealed the potential of surface modification to enhance interfacial properties and mitigate migration concerns in PP composites for automotive applications.
ISSN:1996-1944