Effects of silane coupling agent on the mechanical and thermal properties of silica/polypropylene composites

The effect of silane coupling agent on the mechanical and thermal properties of silica/polypropylene composite was studied. Epoxy, amino, and methacryloxy silanes were introduced as coupling agents. Silica/PP composites were investigated in terms of flexural, tensile, impact strength, and thermal stability in accordance with type, concentration, and processing methods of silane coupling agent. Mechanical properties of the composites prepared by melt-mixing and compression molding were tested by UTM and impact tester, and thermal properties were analyzed by TGA and DSC. As a result, it was confirmed that the silica/PP composite mixed with 5 wt% amino-functionalized silane prepared by dry method showed the highest mechanical and thermal properties.