Polypropylene/mica composites modified by succinic anhydride-crafted atactic polypropylene: A thermal and mechanical study under dynamic conditions

In this study the thermal and mechanical behaviors of PP/mica composites, u nder dynamic conditions, are discussed on the basis of the changes induced by the presence of the interfacial modifier succinic anhydride-grafted atac tic polypropylene, with different degrees of grafting, prepared in our labo ratories by chemical modification of a by-product from industrial polymeriz ation reactor. Changes in the interfacial activity, induced by the substitu tion of a very small amount of polymer matrix by the interfacial agent with different grafting levels, were conclusively obtained. The results obtaine d from either the thermal or the dynamic mechanical behavior led to the sam e conclusions, and agree with data obtained from macroscopic mechanical pro perties. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.