Preparation and Characterization of Polyethylene Nanocomposites with Clay and Silver Nanoparticles
Oliani Washington Luiz (1)*, Ferreto Helio Fernando Rodrigues (2), Komatsu Luiz Gustavo Hiroki (2), Lugao Ademar Benevolo (2), Rangari Vijaya Kumar (3), Lincopan Nilton (4), Parra Duclerc Fernandes (2)
(1) IPEN USP - SP - Brazil, (2) IPEN - SP - Brazil, (3) Tuskegee University - AL - USA, (4) USP - SP - Brazil
Polyethylene is widely used for packing applications. From the different grades of polyethylene, LLDPE and LDPE play a major role in the film blowing industry. The use of nanoclay in polymer matrices (non-polar) requires the use of a compatibilizer agent, ethylene graft maleic anhydride copolymer (PE-g-MA), which acts as a bridge for nanoclay-matrix-interaction. In our study, blown films of LLDPE, LDPE, and their blends were produced using a twin screw extruder. The combination of PE as matrix, montmorillonite (MMT) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) intended to improve mechanical and thermal properties. Nanocomposites films with 1 wt% of montmorillonite and 0.5 to 1.0 wt% silver nanoparticles were prepared by blow extrusion and evaluated. Nanoclay intercalation/exfoliation degree was investigated by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated. The results showed optimum dispersion at intercalation/exfoliation levels for PEs:MMT:AgNPs, slight increasing in mechanical and especially improvement in thermal properties.