Study Of The PE/MMT Nanocomposite

Montomorillonite (MMT) is an important silicate mineral with a lamellar structure. The inorganic cations such as Na+ and Ca2+ adsorbed in the interlamellar space can be easily exchanged with some organic cations by a cation exchange process. Because of its specific structure and appropriate cation exchange capacity (CEC), montmorillonite has been used in the preparation of polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites. In this paper, we make use of hexadesyltrimethyl, an approximate ammonium compounding (15≤-CH2-number ≤17), ocatadecylaminechloried as cation exchange agents. The montorillonite is treated with these agents, which results in marked increase in their organophilic properties. The orgnic-montmorillonite has been identified by X-ray diffraction, different thermal analysis and infrared adsorption spectra. Polyethylene/montmorillonite (PE/MMT) composites are pre- pared by melt intercalation. The compatibility of PE and MMT is improved with different compatibilizers. As a compatibilizer, maleated polyethylene is better and has been proved by XRD and mechanics performance. The content of PEMA affects on interplanar distance of PE/MMT composite. The content of PEMA increases as the interplanar distance, barrier properties and melting point of composites increased, when the critical content of PEMA (WPEMA=30%) could get exfoliated composites. The interlayer spacing of PE/MMT composites depends on content of MMT, but not the content of MMT increases as the interlayer spacing increases. When the content of MMT is excessive, the interlayer spacing reduces. Finally the studies of different techniques influence interlayer spacing of PE/MMT composite. The excellent interaction and capabilities are attained by higher rotate speed and longer machining time.