Processing-Structure-Property Relationaships in Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites

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The main objective of my current and proposed research is geared towards the study of processing morphology/structure-property relationships in polymers, composites and nanocomposites. The ultimate goal is to formulate new materials and develop new polymer processing technologies in order to achieve a desired balance of performance and cost for the intended applications. An example is the integrated analysis we have performed on the film blowing process. The value of the film produced on a film blowing line depends on uniform properties and film gauge. Adaptive control strategies used to ensure a uniform film thickness and a good film quality rely on hydrodynamic and structure/properties models that we have developed. Once the film fabrication is controlled, it is interesting to know the relationship between its morphology and properties. Since PLA stands as a very promising green material, research was oriented to improving its film blowing abilities and properties. Hence, one aim of our research is to improve PLA processability by enhancing its melt strength through structural modifications for the film blowing application. A fundamental stake of this research is to create the best value added products possible. To do so, fillers and nanoparticles can be added to polymers in order to improve their performances. Thus, the correlation between experimental parameters, structure and properties will be defined for PLA films charged with nanoclays, as well as, for thermoplastic vulcanizate nanocomposites where we will study the fundamental parameters affecting the elasticity of thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) nanocomposites prepared by reactive extrusion. In this study, the influence of the melt flow index of the compatibilizer, polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA), on the co-continuous composition range will be investigated. Then, the effects of nanoclays dispersion level in the thermoplastic phase on crosslinking kinetics and crosslinking density will be assessed.