Investigation on the effect of nanoclay on physical and tensile properties of nanocomposite made from reed residues

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of using reed flour and different contents of montmorillonite (nanoclay) nanoparticles on the physical and tensile properties of polypropylener/reed flour/nano clay composite. The amount of coupling agent and reed flour was constant at 5% and 40%, respectively and nanoclay content, adjusted at four levels of 0, 1, 3 and 5% were considered. The materials were mixed in an internal mixer and the samples were prepared by injection molding method. The specimens were tested in accordance with EN ISO 527 standard test method for tensile properties (tensile strength and module) and elongation at break. Physical properties such as water absorption and thickness swelling were measured. The results of tensile moduli and strengths, elongation at break and physical properties (water absorption) showed improvement by the addition of nanoclay up to 3%.