Preparation and properties of compatibilized LDPE/organo-modified montmorillonite nanocomposites

Nanocomposites based on low density polyethylene, containing of 3 or 6 wt.% of organo-modified montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT-ODA) and maleic anhydride grafted low density polyethylene as a compatibilizer were prepared by melt mixing and characterized. Exfoliation of silicate layers was achieved, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The compatibilized nanocomposites exhibit improved thermal stability in air as compared to neat polyethylene and nonexfoliated MMT-ODA composite. The crystallinity and crystallization kinetics of polyethylene matrix is not affected significantly by the presence of MMT-ODA clay. Drawability of the compatibilized nanocomposite with 6 wt.% of MMT-ODA is similar to neat polyethylene, whereas the composition having the same amount of MMT-ODA, without compatibilizer, exhibits poorer drawability. Scanning electron microscopy and density measurements of drawn samples indicate the existence of pores in noncompatibilized composite while no pores and good adhesion to MMT-ODA are found in compatibilized nanocomposites.