Preparation of Nanocomposites Based on LDPE/Perlite: Mechanical and Morphological Studies

Abstract

Perlite nano-particles were prepared through a mechanical grinding process and surface-modified by poly(methyl hydrogen siloxane) (PMHS). Nanocomposites based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and different compositions of treated and untreated nano particles were prepared via melt mixing of the ingredients on a co-rotating twin screw extruder. Laser light-scattering (LLS) was used to analyze the mean particle size of the nano perlite while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to investigate surface modification of the particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the dispersion status of the nano particles in the polymer matrix. Results indicated a relatively good dispersion of the particles (50-500 nm in size) within the LDPE matrix. Mechanical measurements showed remarkable increases in tensile strength and modulus of the nanocomposites containing surface modified perlite, compared to the neat polymer. Also, flexural strength and modulus were increased with increasing nano perlite, while impact properties were reduced.

Symbiotic dinitrogen fixation is seasonal and strongly regulated in water‐limited environments

“…We developed specific germination protocols to ensure simultaneous germination of all seeds, to diminish variance in plant age. Adult shrubs and germinated seedlings were transplanted into 8‐l pots filled with perlite sterile inert medium (Agrekal Perlite, Agrecal Industries, Habonim, Israel; 0.2 mm granules, density 78 mg cm −3 ), which does not react with water or chemicals (Spomer et al ., ; Sahraeian et al ., ; Agrekal, ). We also chose to grow the plants in the perlite medium because it is easy to wash off the roots and allows an even distribution of the water and nutrients in the pot.…”

Investigating Thermal and Surface Properties of Low‐Density Polyethylene/Nanoperlite Nanocomposites for Packaging Applications

“…Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) (LF0200) was supplied by Bandar Imam Petrochemical Complex (Iran). The surface‐treated and untreated nanoperlite with an average size of 50–200 nm was obtained according to a procedure from previous work . The mentioned perlite consists of 72.08% SiO 2 , 12.92% Al 2 O 3 , 0.9% TiO 2 , 1.5% Fe 2 O 3 , 0.63% MgO, 0.88% CaO, 3.76% Na 2 O, 4.33% K 2 O, and 3% bound water .…”

“…Thus, green perlite has relatively high‐water content and gray perlite includes almost modest water content. Perlite can also lose its water during rapid heating to 860–1200 °C, which leads to the formation of light gray or white expanded perlite . To improve the intrinsic compatibility of inorganic perlite with the organic polymers, they can be surface modified with silane agents .…”

“…Perlite can also lose its water during rapid heating to 860–1200 °C, which leads to the formation of light gray or white expanded perlite . To improve the intrinsic compatibility of inorganic perlite with the organic polymers, they can be surface modified with silane agents . The improved ultimate tensile strength, impact, thermal, and flow properties can be achieved by adding perlite to high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) .…”

“…There are few reports of polymer and perlite composites; however, less attention has been paid to the nanocomposites including nanoperlite. In our recent studies, untreated and silane surface‐treated nanoperlite was added to LDPE matrix and mechanical, morphological, and rheological properties were completely studied and thermal properties were partially studied .…”