Pro-Degradant Effect of Talc Nanoparticles on Polypropylene Films

Abstract

Pro-degradant effect of talc nanoparticles on degradation process of polypropylene (PP) films was studied. For this purpose, two talc minerals having different intrinsic characteristics and iron content were used. Films with 0, 1 and 5% w/w of talc were exposed to three different weathering scenarios: indoor, outdoor and accelerated aging. The extent of degradation in films was evaluated by analyzing chemical and surface structure as well as optical, thermal and mechanical properties. The presence of talc induced a greater degradation in nanocomposite films and this phenomenon was increased with nanoparticle concentration. Samples having talc with higher iron content were more affected by weathering conditions since iron impurities acted as promoters of the degradation process. Clearly, iron impure talc is a good environmentally friendly alternative as a pro-degradant additive for PP degradation as its low cost (less than PP) and sustainability since does not contain heavy metals.