Polyethylene and Poly(propylene)/Clay Nanocomposites

Polyethylene and polypropylene nanocomposites were investigated with focus on mechanical and barrier properties. Structure was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Four types of nano-filler were used: Nanofil 5, 8, 9 and 3000. In case of polyethylene nanocomposites the dispersion and intercalation was to low extent. Mechanical and barrier properties were worse compared to pure PE. In case of polypropylene with Nanofil 5, 9 and 3000 tensile strength was better compared to pure PP. Also PP with Nanofil 9 and 3000 had better barrier properties than pure PP for both O₂ and CO₂. This was explained by better intercalation and dispersion of the filler documented by XRD measurement and TEM observation.