Preparation and characterization of Polyethylene/Clay/Silver nanocomposites using functionalized polyethylenes as an adhesion promoter

Abstract

Álvarez (2015) Preparation and characterization of Polyethylene/Clay/Silver nanocomposites using functionalized polyethylenes as an adhesion promoter,The performance of Polyethylene (PE)/Clay/Silver nanocomposites is dependent to a great extent on the properties of filler-matrix interface. To improve the interfacial properties in PE/Clay/Silver composites, different types of compatibilizers or adhesion promoters were introduced. The compatibilization provided by maleic anhydride (MA), itaconic acid (IA) and 2-[2-(dimethylamine)-ethoxy] ethanol (DMAE) functionalized PEs for forming PE-based nanocomposites was studied and compared. IA was grafted into PE by melt mixing to obtain PEgIA (compatibilizer 1), thereafter, PEgIA and PEgMA (compatibilizer 2) were reacted with DMAE also by melt mixing to obtain PEgI-DMAE (compatibilizer 3) and PEgM-DMAE (compatibilizer 4). These compatibilizers were reacted using ultrasound with a solution of AgNO 3 0.04 M and ethylene glycol. Ammonium hydroxide was added in a ratio of 2:1 M with respect to silver nitrate. These silver coated compatibilizers were mixed with PE and with a quaternary ammonium modified montmorillonite clay (Nanomer I28E), thus forming the different hybrid PE/Clay/Silver nanocomposites. FTIR confirmed the formation of these compatibilizers. All the DMAE compatibilized nanocomposites had better filler (clay and silver) dispersion and exfoliation. XRD, oxygen and water transmission rate as well as antimicrobial properties attained showed that the PEgI-DMAE produced the better dispersed PE, clay and silver nanocomposites. The obtained nanocomposites showed enhanced barrier properties and outstanding antimicrobial properties against bacteria, E. coli. PEgI-DMAE offers an outstanding capability for preparing nanocomposites with highly exfoliated and dispersed filler into the PE matrix that offers a new option for obtaining hybrid nanocomposites with enhanced properties to be used in packaging applications.

Influence of carbon nanofiber functionalization and compatibilizer on the physical properties of carbon nanofiber reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites

“…PP‐g‐DMAE spectra shows a noticeable reduction on these carbonyl stretching absorption bands indicating a considerable extent of reaction between MA of the PP‐g‐MA with the DMAEE. PP‐g‐DMAE spectra exhibit new absorption bands at 1726 and 1621cm −1 associated with the ester functionality, indicating that MA and DMAEE reacted according with the reaction previously proposed .…”

“…Preparation of PPgDMAE compatibilizer was previously reported . In brief, PPgMA was previously dried at 90°C for 24 h and were premixed in presence of Irganox‐1076 within a Banbury batch‐mixing chamber (Brabender PL2000).…”

“…Non‐polar polymers such as PP, seem incapable of dispersing many types of fillers by themselves, and the addition of an appropriate compatibilizer or filler modification are required. The reaction of PPgMA with an amine alcohol (DMAEE) to generate a PPgDMAE as compatibilizer was studied previously with other polymer‐filler systems . In theory, this amine‐alcohol compatibilizer may interact with the surface moieties of functionalized CNF, lowering its surface energy, and enhancing their dispersion on the polymer matrix.…”

Silver‐loaded HDPE/clay nanocomposites with antibacterial property: A potential replacement for commodity polyethylene plastic

“…In situ polymerization is much more complicated than melt intercalation route although it has been reported in HDPE . In few cases, the incorporation of the silver component has been achieved through ultrasound coating of silver nanoparticles with different compatibilizers and further melt‐mixing the HDPE, compatibilizer, and clay to prepare antimicrobial nanocomposites . Another author reported preparation of silver‐coated glass bead/HDPE/clay nanocomposites with excellent antimicrobial activity .…”

Acid−base properties of polyethylene composites with clays

“…As a result of a good exfoliation of layered structures in a polymer matrix the clay polymers composites are often regarding to nanocomposites . Despite the fact that these materials possess a complex of useful properties, it is relatively difficult to obtain a well‐exfoliated nanocomposite structure for nonpolar polymers such as polyolefins …”