Polyethylene/clay nanocomposites prepared by polymerization compounding method

Asmaa Gaboune, Suprakas Sinha Ray, Abdellatif Ait-Kadi, Bernard Riedl, Mosto Bousmina

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A new technique for the preparation of high density polyethylene/clay nanocomposite, "polymerization compounding," is reported. This technique was based on the chemical anchoring of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst on organically modified clay surface containing an ammonium cation bearing primary hydroxyl groups. The polymerization of ethylene was initiated after adequate activation and the growing polyethylene chains are directly adsorbed on to the clay surface through the hydroxyl-functionalized surfactant. Finally, the nanocomposite was prepared by diluting polyethylene adsorbed clay in the high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix using a batch mixer at 180°C. The as-synthesized nanocomposite was typically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that revealed the formation of intercalated nanocomposite. Tensile property measurements exhibit substantial increase in stiffness (∼50%) and strength (∼20%) of nanocomposite as compared to that of neat HDPE. Dynamic mechanical analysis under molten state revealed 25% increase in storage modulus when compared to that of neat HDPE.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)530-535
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Volume6
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Nanocomposite
  • Polyethylene
  • Polymerization Compounding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • General Chemistry
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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