Preparation of Polypropylene/Bentonite Composites of Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties using L-leucine and Stearic Acid as Coupling Agents

The compatibilization of raw bentonite (bent) with a polymer matrix polypropylene (PP) can improve the performance material in terms thermal and mechanical properties. In this study, two kinds untreated bentonite, bentonite-Maghnia (bent-m) bentonite-Mostaganem (bent-M), that differ proportion Al2O3 particle size distribution were coupled to typical maleic anhydride grafted PP-MA. Stearic Acid (SA) L-leucine Amino (AA) selected as new coupling modifiers at 5/5 ratio bentonite/coupling agent. All PP/bent composites prepared by melt mixing 190°C. Morphological observation revealed good dispersion into PP presence AA, SA, Mechanical properties showed an increase stiffness bent-m or bent-M associated AA. For instance, PP/bent-m/AA composite underwent improvement about 13% Young’s modulus compared neat PP. On other hand, addition SA maintained tensile strength acceptable level. An around 40°C 37% decomposition temperature elongation break was respectively observed for PP/bent-m/SA composite. high degradation temperatures.