Influence of plasma modification on mechanical and thermal properties of Polypropylene/ Nano-Calcium Silicate Composites

¹ Department of Aerospace Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore - 641112, India
² Vijnan Institute of Science and Technology, Elanji, Ernakula, Kerala, India

^* Corresponding author: g_ajeesh@cb.amrita.edu

Abstract

The aim of the research is to study the influence of plasma modification on nano calcium silicate/polypropylene composites. Polypropylene (PP) is considered for this study as it possesses high impact strength, toughness and availability. Calcium silicate is considered as reinforcement because of its high temperature resistance, high flexural strength and high strength to mass ratio. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results show that there is a change in the functional group on the surface of calcium silicate after modification. Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results show that the decomposition temperature increased with increasing amount of filler particles. It is also observed that the modification has produced a marginal increase in the decomposition and glass transition temperature. Tensile test results also show a gradual increase in the tensile properties of composites when high ratio is reinforcement. Tensile test results also show that there is a marginal increase in the tensile strength when reinforced with modified calcium silicate when compared to non-modified. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) reveals that there is a enhanced dispersion of nano particles on modification. Based on the findings it can be concluded that plasma modification enhances the thermal and mechanical property marginally.