Mechanical properties, improvement using

The nano-level dispersion of clay in thermoplastic olefin (TPO) polymer has potentially provided a platform for its use in automotive body panels of Volvo cars. The governing factors are light weight, consistent physical and mechanical properties, improved aesthetic appearance, improved wear resistance, and low temperature ductility. Recyclability of nano-clay incorporated thermoplastic olefin nanocomposites has provided an opportunity for their use in step assists and trim and panel in Hummer cars. 

Thermoset/CNT nanocomposites are processed [80, 81] in a similar way as PCN are prepared. Generally sonication is used to disperse CNT in the resin. Zhou and co-workers [82] incorporated 0-0.4 wt% of MWCNT in epoxy matrix by sonication technique and evaluated their mechanical properties. Improvement in property in all respects was observed up to 0.3 wt% of nanotube. Beyond this concentration the strength and elongation decrease though the modulus keeps increasing. As a result of addition of 0.3 wt% nanotube the tensile strength increases from 93.5 MPa to 121 MPa and % elongation increases from 4.0 wt% to 7.5 wt%. Schadler and coworkers [83] evaluated mechanical properties a MWCNT-epoxy nanocomposites... 

Similar types of results are reported with the use of maleated polypropylenes. In an article by Borden et al. (34), mechanical property improvements of 9-29% are shown with the addition of 10% maleated polypropylene. Another article by Hyche et al. (32) indicated that the use of medium-molecular-weight, highly functionalized PPgMAH works better than high-molecular-weight, low functionalized material in mica filled polypropylene. Chapter 14 provides a detailed discussion of mica reinforcement of polypropylene resins. 

The fact deserves mention that, surprisingly, by recycling and reprocessing of PVC under the same conditions the mechanical properties improve as a result of a better distribution of the ingredients used and of the higher homogeneity of the material. 

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