PP/MMT nanocomposites having a various compositions were prepared by melt blending with a twin screw extruder. In this study, maleic anhydride-grafted PP (MAH-g-PP) was used as a compatibilizer in order to assist the exfoliation of MMT in the PP matrix. From the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurements for the nanocomposites, we confirmed that MMT was exfoliated. PP/MMT nanocomposites have shown good flame retardancy by synergistic effect between MMT and flame retardant. The mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites showed significant enhancement compared with those of neat PP. The excellent flame retardancy of the PP/MMT nanocomposites, UL94 V-O value, was successfully obtained with reduced amount of the flame retardant.

다양한 조성을 갖는 폴리프로필렌(PP)/몬모릴로나이트(MMT) 나노복합체를 이축압출기를 이용하여 용융혼합법으로 제조하였다. 본 연구에서는 MMT의 박리를 위하여 MAH-g-PP를 상용화제로 사용하였고, 제조된 나노복합체를 X-ray 회절(X-ray diffraction, XRD)과 투과전자현미경(Transmission Electron Microscope, TEM)을 통해 MMT가 박리된 것을 확인하였다. PP/MMT 나노복합체의 제조에 사용한 MMT는 난연제와 상승효과를 발휘하여 난연제의 양을 절반 가까이 줄였을 경우에도 우수한 난연효과를 나타내었다. PP/MMT 나노복합체는 순수 PP보다 기계적 물성과 열적 물성이 증가하였고, 난연성은 UL 94 V-O로 매우 우수하였다.

Keywords: nanocomposite; PP; montmorillonite; compatibilizer; flame retardancy