Investigation of Properties ZnO, CuO, and TiO2 Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary science and its popularity is increasing day by day. Nanotechnology could be applied to processing of many materials. Textile is one of such applications. Textile products which are produced by nanotechnology are more functional and superior than other products. It can improve material finishing, product processing or yarn production. Some examples of Nanotechnology mediated improvement are high strength and electrical properties. Polymer matrix nanocomposites are suitable for textile industry applications. For last several years lots of studies have focused on polymer matrix nanocomposites. Polypropylene (PP) is example of one of the polymers, being engaged for such purpose. Polypropylene fibers have high mechanical strength and light weight with widespread usage starting from automotives to packaging. In the light of these information on this study polypropylene was used as matrix and TiO2, ZnO and CuO used as reinforcement. In our study eighty five dtex thickness nanocomposites were produced by melt-mixing. According to results 0.5% CuO/PP nanocomposites increased electrical properties by 13%. TiO2/PP and ZnO/PP composites showed better mechanical properties than CuO/PP samples. When test results were evaluated together, considered reasons such as ease of application and production, accessibility of raw materials, it was decided that 0.5% TiO2/PP nanocomposite is most suitable.