Effect of Graphene Nanofibers on the Morphological, Structural, Thermal, Phase Transitions and Mechanical Characteristics in Metallocene iPP Based Nanocomposites

Several nanocomposites were prepared by extrusion from a commercial metallocene-type isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and different amounts of two types graphene (G) nanofibers: ones with high specific surface, named GHS, the others low labeled as GLS. The number layers was found to be around eight for GLS about five in GHS. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images resultant iPP showed better homogeneity dispersion nanofibers within polymeric matrix compared distribution observed GHS ones. Crystallinity turned out dependent upon content thermal treatment applied during film preparation, effect nature nanofiber being negligible. Graphene exerted noticeable nucleating crystallization. Furthermore, stability enlarged, shifting higher temperatures, increasing amount. mechanical response changed significantly type, along its content, together nanocomposites. Features surface played key role ultimate properties related superficial bulk stiffness.