EFFECT OF COMPOSITION ON MELT FLOW AND DENSITY OF POLYPROPYLENE COPOLYMER/KAOLIN GEO-FILLER COMPOSITES

Abstract

This study examined the effects rheological properties of different composition kaolin and kaolin geo-filler in polypropylene composites. Polypropylene composites with varying composition of kaolin geo-filler 0 wt%, 2 wt%, 4 wt%, 6 wt%, 8 wt%, and 10 wt% was prepared and compared with polypropylene composite with raw kaolin. Kaolin is an aluminosilicate based mineral filler was used to prepare geopolymer paste by combining with alkaline activator solution. The polypropylene composite was compounded using a twin-screw extruder and the melt flow index was determined by a constant weight pressure of 2.16 kg at 230 degrees C in 10 min. Knowing the melt flow index is necessary to predict and control the process, the study has demonstrated that the composition of kaolin filler and kaolin geo-filler affects the melt flow, melt density and surface morphology at varies composition. Composites with kaolin geo-filler have demonstrated high melt flow index process and having better distribution and flow.