The use of slate rock in constructions often results in the production of large amount of residual powder that has very low economical value and can also damage the environment. In this work, slate powder was tested as a reinforcing agent for polypropylene. Polypropylene and slate powder were mixed in different ratios in a mixer. Maleic anhydride was also used during the mixing to induce chemical modification of polypropylene in order to improve interactions between the polymer and the inorganic powder. Samples were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Samples obtained by adding 5 and 10 wt. % of slate powder in polypropylene had optical properties close to those of commercial slate. FTIR and electron microscopy results suggested that chemical modification of polypropylene led to a partial improvement on the interfacial interactions between slate powder and the polymer. Mechanical properties evaluated by using tensile tests showed that the slate powder did not affect substantially the mechanical strength of polypropylene. Therefore, the incorporation of slate powder in polypropylene emerges as a potential technology for production of systems with some mechanical properties comparable to pure polypropylene, low cost, optical properties close to pure slate and ability to minimize environment problems caused by the presence of residual powder derived from industrial activities.
Slate; industrial waste; composites; polypropylene
