Polymer nanocomposites using zinc aluminum and magnesium aluminum oleate layered double hydroxides: Effects of the polymeric compatibilizer and of composition on the thermal and fire properties of PP/LDH nanocomposites

Authors

Charles Manzi-Nshuti, Marquette UniversityFollow
Ponusa Songtipya, Pennsylvania State University - Main CampusFollow
Evangelos Manias, Pennsylvania State University - Main CampusFollow
Maria del Mar Jimenez-Gasco, Pennsylvania State University - Main CampusFollow
Jeanne Hossenlopp, Marquette UniversityFollow
Charles A. Wilkie, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2009

Source Publication

Polymer Degradation and Stability

Source ISSN

0141-3910

Abstract

A series of five oleate-containing layered double hydroxides with varied ratios of zinc to magnesium, i.e., with the general formula Zn_2−yMg_yAl(OH)₆ [CH₃(CH₂)₇CHCH(CH₂)₇COO]·nH₂O, were synthesized and used to prepare nanocomposites of polypropylene (PP). The nanomaterials were characterized by elemental analysis, attenuated total reflection-infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while the composites were characterized by XRD, TGA, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cone calorimetry. The zinc-containing LDH showed better dispersion in the polymer at the micrometer level than did the magnesium-containing LDH while both are equally well-dispersed at the nanometer level. The magnesium-containing composites led to more thermally stable systems in TGA experiments, while the zinc systems gave greater reductions in heat release rate during combustion. Dispersion was also affected by the amount of PP-g-MA which was present. More PP-g-MA gave better dispersion and a significantly reduced peak heat release rate, i.e., enhanced fire performance.

Comments

Accepted version. Polymer Degradation and Stability, Vol. 94, No. 11 (November 2009): 2042-2054. DOI. © 2009 Elsevier. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Manzi-Nshuti, Charles; Songtipya, Ponusa; Manias, Evangelos; Jimenez-Gasco, Maria del Mar; Hossenlopp, Jeanne; and Wilkie, Charles A., "Polymer nanocomposites using zinc aluminum and magnesium aluminum oleate layered double hydroxides: Effects of the polymeric compatibilizer and of composition on the thermal and fire properties of PP/LDH nanocomposites" (2009). Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications. 86.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/chem_fac/86