Effect of matrix graft modification using acrylic acid on the PP/Mg(OH)(2)composites and its possible mechanism

The matrix graft modification using an acrylic acid (AAc) was employed on t he polypropylene/Mg(OH)(2) flame-retardant composite. The graft modificatio n of PP matrix was carried out via an in-situ reactive extrusion by a twin- screw extruder. The tensile strength of the composites was analyzed using a n equation developed by Pukanszky from which both matrix tensile strength s igma(0) and interfacial adhesion strength were found to be increased. The e nhancement of sigma(0) is due to the intermolecular crosslinking of PP by A Ac grafting. This crosslinking causes increases of tensile strength, Young' s modulus, impact resistance, and thermal resistance, but decreases the elo ngation at break of the composites.