A novel dispersion method comprising a nucleating agent solubilized in a microemulsion, in polymeric matrix II. Microemulsion characterization

This second part of our paper focuses on structural characterization of the microemulsion for increasing the crystallization rate of polypropylene (PP) through the entrapment of nucleating agent (nucleator) HPN-68, serving as a transport vehicle. Our concept is based on creating an advantage in dispersion capability of the nucleator that is dissolved in a nanoreactor vehicle, compared with its conventional loading as a crystalline powder. The advantage was achieved by solubilizing the HPN-68 in a microemulsion to decrease its size from micro- to nanoscale. The microemulsions were introduced to the target PP using a mixer. By the end of the mixing, when the water phase had evaporated, only the nucleator and the surfactant remained in the matrix. DSC results showed a 24% improvement in nucleation efficiency of PP by this novel method. It was shown that solubilization of the nucleator depends on the water activity in the microemulsion, and the presence of the nucleator opposes formation of the W/O phase. Light scattering, SD-NMR, and SAXS results showed that HPN-68 is accommodated in the water phase and at the interface, and significantly reduces the level of order in the microemulsion. In intermediate water content, a worm-like structure was proposed instead of the classical bicontinuous one. The structure was confirmed by SAXS and SD-NMR analysis. Viscosity measurements revealed structural transitions in the microemulsions.