Orientation in composite of polypropylene and talc

X-ray diffraction and microscopical investigation of test samples prepared by injection molding from composites of isotactic polypropylene with talc revealed a preferred orientation of the talc and polypropylene matrix. Contrary to the situation in polypropylene alone, the preferred orientation in polypropylene–talc composites survived melting and a new crystallization. Crystallization rate measurements confirmed the nucleation activity of talc for polypropylene crystallization.