Polypropylene Nanocomposites Based on Designed Synthetic Nanoplatelets

Synthetic nanoplatelets derived from α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) were prepared for in situ propylene polymerization, yielding polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites. The designed α-ZrP-derivatives contain methyl groups on the surface to increase hydrophobicity, which gives rise to a better compatibility with toluene and propylene molecules. The incorporation of methyl groups on the layers of α-ZrP-derivatives also produces a “porous pathway” structure in the nanoplatelet gallery, which facilitates the diffusion of propylene monomers. PP/α-ZrP nanocomposites were successfully prepared with a high level of exfoliation. The implications of the present findings are discussed.