Mechanical Properties and Water Vapor Permeation of Polypropylene/Hollow Silica Composite

• Published in: Key engineering materials Vol. 877; pp. 15 - 20
• Main Authors: Wen, Yi Hua, Yao, Wei Hua, Tsou, Chi Hui, Chen, Jui Chin, Du, Juan, de Guzman, Manual Reyes
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Zurich Trans Tech Publications Ltd 01.02.2021
• Subjects: Blending effects; Chemical reactions; Composite materials; Crystal structure; Fourier transforms; Mechanical properties; Melt blending; Polypropylene; Silicon dioxide; Tensile strength; Vapor resistance; Water vapor; Hollow Silica; Mechanical Properties; Polypropylene; Water Vapor Permeation
• ISSN: 1013-9826; 1662-9795; 1662-9795
• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.877.15

In this study, we modified polypropylene (PP) by using melt-blending hollow silica (HSiO2) with it and to form HSiO2/PP composites. The composites were characterized by mechanical properties, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In order to investigate the effect of nanofiller to the barrier property of water vapor, the water vapor transmission rate of PP and HSiO2/PP composites has been tested. The study found that the addition of HSiO2 did not change the crystal structure of the matrix material and there was no chemical reaction. However, the tensile strength of the composite is improved, and the water vapor barrier performance were also improved. When the content of HSiO2 is 0.9%, the tensile strength of the composite is the highest and the water vapor resistance is the best.