Effects of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the morphologies and mechanical properties of PP/EVA blend

The maleic anhydride‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs‐ g ‐MA) have been introduced into polypropylene/ethylene‐ co ‐vinyl acetate (PP/EVA) blend. To clearly describe the effects of MWCNTs‐ g ‐MA on the morphology and mechanical properties of PP/EVA blends, the selective distribution of MWCNTs‐ g ‐MA in the blends is realized through different sample preparation methods, namely, MWCNTs‐ g ‐MA disperse in EVA phase and MWCNTs‐ g ‐MA disperse in PP matrix. The results show that the distribution of MWCNTs‐ g ‐MA has an important effect on the final morphology of EVA and the crystallization structure of PP matrix. Compared with PP/EVA binary blend, distribution of MWCNTs‐ g ‐MA in PP matrix induces the aggregation of EVA phase at high EVA content and the decrease of spherulite diameters of PP matrix simultaneously. However, when MWCNTs‐ g ‐MA are dispersed in the EVA phase, they induce more homogeneous distribution of EVA, and the crystallization behavior of PP is slightly affected by MWCNTs‐ g ‐MA. The corresponding mechanical properties including impact strength and tensile strength are tested and analyzed in the work.