The role of nanoclay in processing immiscible polypropylene and poly (ethylene terephthalate) waste blends using twin screw extrusion

Polypropylene and poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste were blended with different types of nanoclay (cloisite Na+, cloisite 20A and CT4270) to understand the role of nanoclay in immiscible polymer blends. The blend morphology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, the dispersion of the nanoclay was characterized using wide angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD) and rheology. WAXD results showed partial exfoliation for cloisite Na+ and intercalation for cloisite 20A and CT4270. It was predicted that cloisite Na + settled in the PET phase while cloisite 20A settled at the interface of PP and PET. Morphology analysis showed that increasing the concentration of nanoclay in the blend decreased the droplet size. The nanoclay was shown to inhibit coalescence of the droplets causing a decrease due to its rigidity. [Display omitted]