PE and PP Clay Nanocomposites - Structure Modeling and Properties

The ability of commercial nanofillers Nanofil, Cloisite and by own way prepared MMT/ODA for PE and PP matrix was evaluated. Different types of mentioned type of nanofillers were added into polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) matrix in various concentrations. The amount of clays was calculated as 3 and 5 wt% to the weight of PE/PP. The PE/PP and nanofillers were mixed on a one screw KO Kneader Buss with maleic-anhydride-modified matrices PEMa/PPMa as a compatibilizer. The content of compatibilizer in mixtures was 5 wt % to the weight of matrix. The level of MMT exfoliation in the nanocomposite systems was studied by XRD technique and compared with results of structure molecular modelling both were also connected with the study of morphology by SEM and TEM technique. The properties of samples were evaluated by the measurement of mechanical properties (yield stress and tensile strength). The permeability for O2 and CO2 was checked. The influence of different types and concentrations of the added nanofillers on the properties of polyethylene/polypropylene nanocomposites is discussed. Key words: nanocomposite, modeling, polyethylene, polypropylene, montmorillonite, barrier properties