Non-isothermal crystallization of Ziegler Natta i-PP-graphene nanocomposite: DSC and new model prediction

Crystallization occurs in processing i-PP-GnP nanocomposites, and these nanocomposites have the potential to replace traditional fillers and be used to fabricate advanced materials and technology. Therefore, this subject was comprehensively investigated by applying a recent crystallization model, non-isothermal DSC experiments, Raman spectroscopy, and WAXRD. The multi-layer GnP-induced nucleation and the crystal growth rates were modelled. The overall modelling effort generated new insights, results, and explanations. This study confirmed and elucidated, or refuted several published conclusions. It has also been reported that the present model can pursue differences in catalyst-mediated i-PP backbone defects (stereo and regio) by simulating the relative crystallization profile and determining the crystallization kinetic triplet (n, k_o, and E_a). The multiple roles played by GnP were underscored, which exceed what the related literature currently reports. The Raman and XRD work revealed the interaction between GnP and i-PP. The shear-induced dispersion of GnP that occurs during extrusion significantly affected i-PP crystal size distribution. The present approach can also assess the effects of catalyst type and structure, and backbone defect types and their distribution on the non-isothermal crystallization of, in general, polyolefin blends and nanocomposites.