DSC analysis of crystallization and melting behavior of polypropylene in model composites with glass and poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers

Isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP), which is used for the production of split warp knit composite preforms,¹ are analyzed in model composites to determine the influence of reinforcement glass fibers (GF) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) binding yarns on the crystallization kinetics. Basic energetic parameters of crystallization are determined, and the melting behavior of PP in model composites is analyzed. The crystallization of PP carried out in nonisothermal and isothermal regimes is facilitated in the presence of GF, and the additional effects of PET fibers are also shown. Better conditions for nucleation, resulting in lower energy for formation of a stable nucleus and lower critical dimensions, are proposed as a reason for this. The crystal structure of PP in model composites exhibits lower lamellae thickness and is less disposed to recrystallization. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 239–246, 1999