High-performance exfoliated poly(propylene)/clay nanocomposites by in situ polymerization with a novel Z-N/clay compound catalysts

摘要

Highly exfoliated poly(propylene) (PP)/clay nanocomposites with obvious improvements in both the tensile strength and toughness have been prepared by a novel TiCl4/MgCl2/ imidazolium-modified montmorillonite (IOHMMT) compound catalysts. Through this approach, in situ propylene polymerization can actually take place between the silicate layers and lead not only to PP with a high isotacticity and molecular weight, but also to a highly exfoliated structure even at high clay content levels (as high as 19 wt.-%).