Properties of polyethylene-layered silicate nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation with a PP-g-MA compatibilizer

Polyethylene (PE)/clay nanocomposites were synthesized by melt-intercalation using either PP-g-MA or PE-g-MA as a compatibilizer. The pristine clay was first modified with a swelling agent (octadecylamine) in solution to obtain an organophilic clay before being melt blended with a compatibilizer: PP-g-MA or PE-g-MA. Finally, these compounds were melt intercalated with PE to synthesis the PE/clay nanocomposite. The materials were characterized using X-RD, TEM, SEM, and TGA. The physical properties were observed with DMA and tension tests. Permeability tests of the PE/clay nanocomposites were also performed. The clays in PE/clay nanocomposites with the compatibilizer PP-g-MA were better exfoliated. The mechanical and gas barrier properties improved as the clay content increased. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.