Abstract:
The aims of this thesis were to study the preparation of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoplates by hydrothermal method using autoclave unit which was designed and manufactured in Thailand and to study the effect of nanoplates content on some mechanical properties and flammability of injection-graded polypropylene.
Nanoplates were synthesized by hydrothermal method at 150 Degree Celsius for 24 hours. The prepared nanoplates were calcined in air at 450 Degree Celsius for 3 hours. The prepared nanostructured materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The prepared nanoplates were mixed with polypropylene at the ratio of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0%. Mechanical properties of mixed samples were tested including tensile strength (ASTM D638), the material hardness (ASTM D2240) and impact strength (ASTM D256). Flammability of the specimens were tested according to UL-94HB.
Results of the study found that the size of the prepared nanoplates was approximately 80 nm in width, 90 nm in length and 15 nm in thickness. No significant effect of MgO addition on tensile strength was observed. Marginal increasing in hardness of the mixed samples was found with addition of MgO. Impact strength of the prepared nano-MgO addition in the PP was higher than the commercial grade nano-MgO addition. It also showed that nano-MgO addition can reduce flammability of polypropylene.