Crystallization Behavior of Thermoplastic Nanocomposites

The crystallization studies of TiO -polypropylene nanocomposites were performed by heating the samples to 200°C at a rate of 10°C/min, kept isother-mally for 1 min, and then cooled to 40°C at a cooling rate of 10°C/min [67]. The crystallization temperature and the percentage crystallinity data acquired from DSC thermogram of TiO -PP nanocomposites are given in Table 9.2. 

The peak crystallization temperature of PP is decreased by the TiO nanoparticles (NTO). The percentage crystallinity of nanocomposites increases up to 1.5 wt% TiO. This happens due to the nucleating effect of the TiOj particles for PP crystallization. At higher concentration of TiO particles, the nanoparticle may agglomerate and prevents the crystal growth and reduces the crystallinity [76]. 

The DSC studies suggest that the incorporation of coupling agent to the nanoparticle-reinforced polymer composites also increases the glass 

Sample Name Peak Crystallization Temperature (T) °C AH. (1/g) Peak Melting Temperature AH (1/g) Percentage Crystallinity (%) 

In the same manner, the crystallization behavior of SiO -PET nanocomposites is evaluated by means of DSC studies [33]. Basically polyethylene terephthalate is a crystalline polymer. The endothermic peak of the pure PET appears at 225°C and corresponds to melting temperature. The endothermic peak appears at high temperature for SiO -PET nanocomposite system. The data collected through DSC thermal analysis are given in Table 9.3. 

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