Xiaohua Du

Microstructure and Deformation Behavior of Polyethylene/Montmorillonite Nanocomposites with Strong Interfacial Interaction

Deformation behavior of polyethylene/modified montmorillonites with polymerizable surfactant (PE/P-MMT) nanocomposite with strong interfacial interaction was studied by means of morphology observation and X-ray scattering measurements. The orientation of PE chains was accompanied by the orientation of well-dispersed MMT platelets due to the presence of strong interfacial interaction, and both of the orientations were parallel to the deformation direction. The high degree of orientation of MMT platelets and PE chains resulted from the synergistic movement of PE matrix and MMTs, which originated from the presence of a network-like structure. Meanwhile, the existence of MMT platelets with good mobility during deformation and strong interfacial interaction with PE matrix could further improve the break energy of material by restraining the initiation and growth of cavities during deformation. In contrast, PE/MMT nanocomposite with no strong interfacial interaction and poor dispersed state of MMT sheets showed the weaker orientation of both PE chains and MMT platelets, and a strong cavitation during deformation.

STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION AND COMPOSITION CHANGE IN THE SURFACE REGION OF POLYPROPYLENE/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES ANNEALED AT HIGH TEMPERATURES

A model experiment was done to clear the formation mechanism of protective layers during combustion of polypropylene (PP)/organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites. The investigation was focused on the effects of annealing temperature on the structural changes and protective layer formation. The decomposition of OMMT and degradation of PP/OMMT nanocomposites were characterized by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The structural evolution and composition change in the surface region of PP/OMMT nanocomposites during heating were monitored by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ATR-FTIR and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results showed that the formation of the carbonaceous silicate barrier in the surface region of PP/OMMT nanocomposites resulted from the following three processes: (1) The formation of strong acid sites on the MMT sheets, which could promote the degradation of PP and the carbonization of its degradation products; (2) The gases ...