Mg–Al Layered double hydroxide nanoparticles: Evaluation of the thermal stability in polypropylene matrix

Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) particles intercalated with dodecylsulfate anions were prepared following different methods and analysed by thermogravimetry (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Two commercial grades of MgAl LDH particles were used as LDH precursors. Two-step reconstitution was found to be the most effective route to prepare dodecylsulfate intercalated LDH particles. The obtained particles were melt blended with polypropylene at a 10 wt.% loading. The thermal stability and flame retardant behaviour of the resultant nanocomposites were studied with TGA and limiting oxygen index tests. The mechanical properties were also characterized. The experimental results reveal the potential of these organic modified LDH particles to improve both the thermal stability of polypropylene matrix and the mechanical properties.