Qualitative Characterization Of Nanoclay Particle Emissions From Pp Nanocomposites After Thermal Degradation

The use of nanomaterials in polymeric materials is a rapidly expanding field, and the polymer nanocomposites are being introduced into various markets. But there is still little known about the fate of nanocomposites and nanoparticles during service life and end -of-life of the materials. To avoid possible environmental, health and safety problems, simulating different scenarios for nanoparticles release from the polymer matrix plays a key role in commercialization of these advanced materials. The polymer/nanoclay nanocomposites show superior material properties in comparison with the pure polymers, such as improved mechanical properties, heat resistance, flame retardancy and decreased gas permeability. Polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites have attracted a considerable interest due to the material's low cost, low density and extensive production volumes. In this study, in order to obtain reliable results regarding the release of nanoclays from PP nanocomposites, homogenous composite with predetermined content of nanoclay was produced and characterized to obtain information regarding content, dispersion and size of the nanoclays in the matrix. The PP nanocomposite was degraded under controlled conditions and the surface morphology as well as oxidation of the material was characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy during degradation. A prototype environmental chamber was designed in order to collect nano -sized particles in a controlled manner and subsequent characterization of the released or formed particles was performed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the exposed nanocomposite was analysed with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).