In situ wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) analysis of electrically activated polypropylene(PP)/clay nanocomposites

Recently we have invented a novel method for fabricating polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites by applying the electric field. Electric field was found to facilitate destruction of the layer-stacking and separation of the silicate layers by the penetration of polymer chains into silicate galleries. This was evidenced by Theological measurements, X-ray diffraction and Transmission electron microscopy. From this observation, we could find that the microstructural change of PP/Clay nanocomposites induced by the electric field is a very important factor to control the performance and morphology of the material. In this study, real-time evolution of PP/clay nanocomposites under electric field using in situ wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) analysis will be presented. We designed a heating block equipped with electric circuits to apply electric field on the molten state of PP/clay composites. The real-time microstructural changes of PP/clay nanocomposites under AC electric field of 1kV/mm and 60 Hz were analyzed by the result of 2D WAXS data. This will be compared with that under DC electric field. We will present the kinetics of melt intercalation process under electric field.