Metallocene‐based functionalized polyolefins as compatibilizers in polyolefin nanocomposites

Abstract

This article reports a study of some functionalized polyolefins evaluated as compatibilizers in polyethylene nanocomposites. The functionalized polymers were prepared by direct metallocene-mediated copolymerizations of ethylene and a functional comonomer. The prepared nanocomposites were evaluated for mechanical and barrier property enhancement. A good combination of mechanical and barrier properties was obtained with the metallocenebased functionalized polyethylene. The toughness-stiffness balance was better than or comparable to that achieved with conventional functionalized polymers such as maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene. The results also indicated that these metallocene-based functionalized polyolefins, when used as compatibilizers, could have relatively higher molar masses and lower functionality than those of conventional post-reactor-modified compatibilizers, and so the drawbacks associated with the latter could be avoided. Their inherent properties could also further improve the final nanocomposite properties. This was attributed to the more homogeneous nature of metallocene-catalyzed polymers in comparison with post-reactor-modified products.

Carboxylated butadiene–styrene rubber/halloysite nanotube nanocomposites: Interfacial interaction and performance

“…The interfacial interactions between polymer matrix and inorganics mainly include van der Waals force, hydrogen bonds, covalent bonds and ionic bonds [4][5][6][7]. Many approaches have been developed to improve the interfacial interactions of the nanocomposites, including the modification of inorganics [8][9][10] or matrix [11]. So far, new effective approaches to improve the interfacial interaction of nanocomposites are still being focused.…”

Morphology, mechanical, and crystallization behaviors of micro- and nano-ZnO filled polypropylene composites

“…1 Various nanoscale fillers, including montmorillonite, silica, calcium carbonate, and aluminum oxide, have been reported to enhance the mechanical properties, thermal stability, electrical properties, gas barrier properties, and/or flame retardancy of the polymer matrix. [2][3][4][5] Among various inorganic fillers, nano-sized zinc oxide (ZnO) fillers have attracted considerable attention because of the unique physical properties as well as their low cost and extensive applications in diverse areas. [6][7][8][9] Several studies have been conducted on the synthesis and structure-property of ZnO nanoparticles.…”

In situ synthesis of nanoclay filled polyethylene using polymer supported metallocene catalyst system

“…Control of molar mass, narrow molecular weight distributions and structural uniformity related to comonomer content are achieved through precise selection of reaction conditions. [18][19][20][21][22] In recent years, special attention has been devoted to the immobilization methodology of these catalyst systems either on organic or inorganic materials. Apart from using inorganic supports like magnesium chloride, silica, alumina, TiO 2 etc, polymeric support like pentaerythritol trimethacrylate, divinyl benzene, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, styrene etc have been utilized for immobilization of metallocenes.…”