Dispergation of vermiculites in polymer matrix and elected property characterization of prepared nanocomposites

Abstract

Clay minerals in the form of nanofillers in polymer matrices are usually studied with the aim to improve mechanical properties, thermal and chemical stability and flame retardancy of nanocomposites. Clay mineral vermiculite was treated mechanically and chemically as a nanofiller and its exfoliation in polyolefins was studied. Effects of jet and ball milling and of chemical modification of vermiculite by means of intercalation with hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, modification with HCl and different homogenisation procedures including electrospinning of solution dispersions on exfoliation of vermiculite in a polymer matrix were studied in composites. Dispersion and content of nanoparticle in the matrix were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, light optical microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Effect of dispersion of vermiculite nanofiller particles in polyethylene on processing, mechanical and service properties of the composite was demonstrated by determining melt strength, by tensile and creep.