724Nanocomposites based on thermoplastics and modified montmorillonite (MMT) belong to a new class of hybrid materials with a matrix containing dis persed inorganic nanoparticles [1]. The synthesis of nanocomposites includes searching for optimal condi tions of their formation and providing a high level of exfoliation of MMT particles and their uniform distri bution in the polymer matrix. Owing to the formation of new vast surfaces, the mentioned particles enhance interaction with the polymer matrix and ensure record values of elastic modulus [2], gas permeability [3], thermal stability [4], and fire resistance [5].The theoretical descriptions of the formation of the layered filler structure in nanocomposites [6,7] were based on thermodynamic calculations of the lattice model [8], the self consisted field theory [9], and molecular simulation [10]. Moreover, it was convinc ingly shown that the specific interaction of polymers with both the modifier and the surfaces of MMT par ticles is the driving force of intercalation of macromol ecules into the interlayer space of the layered filler. Many studies [11][12][13][14][15] have indicated that the exfoli ated structure is formed when polar polymers (polyes ters, polyamides, etc.) are used, whereas, for nonpolar polymers (e.g., polyolefins), this process is difficult to implement [16,17].During formation of composites, along with the need to ensure the specific level of interaction of an organophilic high molecular mass compatibilizer with the interlayer surfaces of MMT, some problems arise in relation to the nature and optimum density of interlayer space filling with the modifier, the degree of organophilicity of the modified MMT, the structure and molecular characteristics of polymers, and the temperature and rheological conditions of blending. It was found that the predominant formation of interca lated or exfoliated structures requires the use of a cat ionogenic modifier containing no less than 16 СН 2 groups in the aliphatic backbone [17] at its optimum concentration of 25-75 wt % based on the cationic exchange capacity (CEC) of the clay [18] and no less than 0.1 wt % maleic anhydride groups grafted onto polyolefin [17]. Under the aforementioned condi tions, substantial increases in the elastic modulus of PE (by 50%) and in the ultimate tensile strength (by 20%) were attained along with improvement of the barrier properties of nanocomposites. The interest in the application of a layered filler as a fire retardant [19] is related to a significant drop (30-50%) in the rate of heat evolution during combustion of nanocomposites relative to that during combustion of the unfilled poly olefin.The aim of this study was to gain insight into the formation of nanocomposites and to ascertain the cor relation of their structural features with the mechani cal properties, thermal stability, and fire resistance. For this purpose, the synthesis of such materials based on a linear ethylene-1 butene copolymer (I) and modified clay was investigated.Abstract-Nanocomposites based on PE...
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