Hybrid polymer containing in-situ generated aluminum nanoparticles

Abstract

Nano-sized inorganic particles have been widely used in recent years as fillers in polymers to improve their properties. In the present work we generate aluminum (Al) nanoparticles in a polypropylene matrix modified with maleic anhydride (MA) by sol-gel method approach. Aluminum isopropoxide (Al(Pr-i- O)3) was used as inorganic precursor to produce the Al nanoparticles. FT IR results showed that Al-O bonds were formed as a result of chemical reaction among MA and aluminum precursor, moreover the spectrum confirm the formation of Al-OH group. This group is particular important due to its high reactivity, which provides unique properties to the hybrid polymer. The rheological behavior evidences the formation of a branched/crosslinking structure. Morphological observations by EDX and TEM confirmed the presence of Al nanoparticles dispersed in the polymer matrix, with diameter between 200 and 100 nm.