Characterization of polyethylene/kaolin composites by polymerization filling with Cp₂ZrCl₂/MAO catalyst system

Abstract

ABSTRACT:In this work, the preparation and characterization of metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (PE)/kaolin composites were presented. The composites was prepared by the so-called polymerization-filling method in which the PE matrix was formed directly on the kaolin surface by ethylene polymerization with the prefixed Cp 2 ZrCl 2 /methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalyst system on the kaolin surface. SEM, FTIR, and DMA were carried out to characterize the composites. The experimental results showed the new composites had homogeneous distribution of kaolin particles in the PE matrix and strong interfacial interaction between the PE matrix and kaolin particles. At the molecular level, the interfacial interaction caused the decrease of the mobility of PE molecular chains. In addition rheological testing showed that the introduction of kaolin by polymerization filling could improve the rheological behavior of prepared composites. The relationship between the rheological behaviors and the interfacial conditions were discussed.

Polyethylene nanocomposites by gas‐phase polymerization of ethylene in the presence of a nanosilica‐supported zirconocene catalyst system

“…The intrinsic viscosity [η] of the PE constituent was determined in decalin at 135 °C after being extracted from the PE nanocomposites by hot xylene at elevated temperatures. M w was calculated from the following formula:24 …”

Synthesis and microstructural characterization of kaolin-polyethylene composites

“…In comparison with metals and ceramics, polymers are much more inferior in mechanical properties Anjana et al [6]. The layered silicates (clay minerals) commonly used for the preparation of polymer composites belong to the family of 2:1 phyllosilicates, with kaolinite being one of the most common of such clay minerals Fowden et al, [7]. Their layered tetrahedral silica sheets are linked through oxygen atoms to the octahedral alumina sheets Fowden et al, [7].…”

“…The layered silicates (clay minerals) commonly used for the preparation of polymer composites belong to the family of 2:1 phyllosilicates, with kaolinite being one of the most common of such clay minerals Fowden et al, [7]. Their layered tetrahedral silica sheets are linked through oxygen atoms to the octahedral alumina sheets Fowden et al, [7]. These layers are separated by galleries where cations such as Na 1 , K 1 , etc., are present to counterbalance the negative charge of the aluminosilicate sheets arising from isomorphic substitution of Al or Si with other metals.…”