Polyethylene and Polypropylene Nanocomposites Based on Polymerically - Modified Clay Containing Alkylstyrene Units

Authors

Jinguo Zhang, Marquette UniversityFollow
Charles A. Wilkie, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-26-2006

Source Publication

Polymer

Source ISSN

0032-3861

Abstract

Sodium montmorillonite was modified with a new polymeric surfactant. The high molecular weight of the surfactant appears to have led to incomplete cation exchange of the clays, but did promote nanocomposite formation with polyethylene and polypropylene. X-ray diffraction combined with transmission electron microscopy revealed a mixed nanocomposite morphology. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis, while flammability of the nanocomposites was evaluated by cone calorimetry. A significant 40% reduction in peak heat release rate was observed at 10% organo-clay (3% inorganic clay) loading with an even higher 50% reduction at a loading level of 16% modified clay (5% inorganic clay). Despite possible plasticization effects by the polymers used as an organic modification for the clays, the mechanical properties such as Young's modulus and elongation were not severely impacted by the nanocomposite formation.

Comments

Accepted version. Polymer, Vol. 47, No. 16 (July 26, 2006): 5736-5743. DOI. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Zhang, Jinguo and Wilkie, Charles A., "Polyethylene and Polypropylene Nanocomposites Based on Polymerically - Modified Clay Containing Alkylstyrene Units" (2006). Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications. 104.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/chem_fac/104