polymerjournals Chemistry, materials, technology
Polymers and Polymer Composites

Wavelength sensitivity in polypropylene/clay composite photooxidation

February 1, 2015 By: Samira Aslanzadeh; Haghighat Kish M Research article

Title: Wavelength sensitivity in polypropylene/clay composite photooxidation
Page Range: p.93-102
Author(s): Samira Aslanzadeh; Haghighat Kish M
File size:
Download the pdf (subscribers only)
Buy the pdf (non-subscribers)
Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 23
Issue No: No.2

Abstract
The photo-oxidation behaviour of polypropylene/maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene/organic modified montmorillonite (PP/PPgMA/OMMT) composites with short wavelength (UVC) and long wavelength (UVA) ultraviolet radiation was examined. The samples were prepared in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and compatibilisers with different degrees of maleation were used. The photo-oxidative stability was studied using FTIR spectroscopy and microscopy. During UVA exposure, the rate of photo-oxidation of PP/PPgMA/OMMT increased with the amount of maleic anhydride from 0.1 to 0.5 wt.% in PPgMA. However, even after 2500 h of exposure to the radiation, the FTIR spectrum of pristine PP did not show significant changes. For UVC radiation, the rate of photo-oxidation of PP/PPgMA/OMMT composites was the same as that of pristine PP. On the other hand, there was a difference between PP and PP/PPgMA/OMMT composites in the formation of a crack on the back surfaces of the sheets facing the UVC sources. The difference was due to the presence of Fe3+ in clay layers that had the effect of UV-protection and blocking in the UVC region. 54 Refs.

Related reading

More journal reading and science coverage connected to this topic.