Thermal behaviour and crystallization analysis of ethylene‐propylene (EP) copolymer and EP‐styrene terpolymer

Abstract

Polyolefin copolymers have been an important commercial product since their invention. Hence, it is crucial to study their co‐ and terpolymers due to their extensive use. In this paper, in situ synthesis of ethylene‐propylene (EP) copolymer, its terpolymer with styrene, and composites with nickel‐chromium (NiCr) layered double hydroxide (LDH) has been reported along with their thermal properties. Styrene had a significant impact on the activity, increasing the yield by 195% and 235% with an addition of 0.5 and 1.0 mL styrene, respectively, compared to neat EP. The crystallinity, melting temperature, and thermal stability decreased due to styrene; nevertheless, it performed better compared to a similar work of terpolymer where α‐olefin was the third monomer. The incorporation of NiCr LDH as a drop‐in filler during in situ polymerization affected adversely the thermal stability of the terpolymer. However, the ultrasonication treatment improved the thermal stability of the final product.

Enhancing Metallocene Catalyst Activity: Utilizing Layered Double Hydroxide for Ethylene–Propylene Copolymerization

“…as energy storage, [23] drug delivery, [24] catalysis, [25] and polymer composites. [26][27][28][29] Freshly prepared LDHs contain an abundance of free water molecules and surface hydroxyl groups, which can be controlled by using solvents and heat treatment.…”

“…[27] Similarly, we reported that the incorporation of NiFe-(anion) LDHs into EP copolymers improved thermal stability and influenced the microstructure of the resultant polymers. [26,29] He et al [17] reported an organo-modified ZnAl LDH to support a nickel diimine catalyst for ethylene polymerization. O'Hare et al [30] introduced an LDH to support a metallocene catalyst system for ethylene polymerization.…”