ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Advances in the Reactive Processing of Polymer Composites Based on Magnesium Hydroxide

V. Khunová and C. M. Liauw

Department of Plastics and Rubber, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Slovak University of Technology, SK-812 37 Bratislava

Abstract: The presented work reports on reactive processing aimed at improving mechanical properties of polyolefine/magnesium hydroxide-based composites. Three different polymer matrix materials (polypropylene homopolymer (PP), polypropylene block copolymer (PPBC), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)) have been studied in combination with plate-like and spherical magnesium hydroxide particles (60 mass %). m-Phenylenedimaleimide (DMI) has been used as a reactive modifier and it became apparent that DMI is very effective in this role. In addition to the actual level of DMI used, the extent of reaction of matrix chains and filler surface with DMI, is heavily dependent on the reactive processing conditions, especially temperature. The enhancement in major mechanical properties, i.e. tensile strength, elongation to break and impact strength, afforded by DMI modification exceeds the improvement afforded by silane pretreatment systems. When the optimal DMI and processing temperature was applied, improvement of mechanical properties in all studied composites was higher than 100 % relative to the respective unmodified composites. This payer also affords insight into the mode of action of DMI and how the use of DMI together with a lubricant can be optimized to tailor composites to specific end-use applications.

Full paper in Portable Document Format: 543a177.pdf

Chemical Papers 54 (3) 177–182 (2000)