Morphology Characteristics, Thermal Properties and Dielectric Breakdown of LLDPE/Clay Nanocomposites

摘要

In this study linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/clay nanocompositesrnwere prepared by melt compounding using a co-rotating twin screws extruder. ThernLLDPE/clay nanocomposites were compounded with and without maleic anhydriderngrafted linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE-g-MA), as a coupling agent, inrnorder to improve the nanoclay dispersion in LLDPE matrix.rnThe microstructure of the material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD).rnScanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to assess the quality ofrnnanocomposite morphology. The dielectric strength was measured according tornASTM D-149.rnThis study aimed to investigate the effects of compatibilizing agent, processingrnconditions and nanoclay content on the dispersion of nanoclay in LLDPE matrixrnand on a possible improvement of the dielectric properties. Experimental resultsrnshowed that addition of a compatibilizing agent (PE-g-MA) led to therndisappearance of a basal peak. SEM study indicated that the nanoclay dispersionrnwas greatly improved with increasing rotational speed of twin screw extruder.rnEffects of clay concentration on thermal properties and dielectric breakdownrncharacteristics were also studied.