Preparation of polyethylene/Siloxene nanocomposites through siloxene‐MgCl supported Ziegler‐Natta catalyst

Abstract

The two‐dimensional (2D) inorganic fillers could significantly improve the properties of polyolefin, thereby satisfying a wider range of applications. Herein, in this research, high‐performance polyethylene (PE)/siloxene nanocomposites were prepared through an in‐situ polymerization with layered siloxene‐supported Ti‐based catalyst. The catalytic ethylene polymerization activity of the siloxene‐supported Ziegler‐Natta catalyst was almost twice that of the MgCl2/TiCl4 catalyst when equal weights of catalysts were used. During the in‐situ polymerization, the layered siloxene fillers exhibited uniform dispersion within the PE matrix. The incorporation of a minimal amount of siloxene filler resulted in a notable enhancement in the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PE. The breaking strength, modulus, elongation at break, and Td5% of PE/siloxene nanocomposites with only 0.71 wt% siloxene were increased by 115.7%, 45.6%, 50.6%, and 58.2°C, respectively. Therefore, this research presents a straightforward method for manufacturing PE with outstanding performance.Highlights PE/siloxene nanocomposites were prepared through in‐situ polymerization. Siloxene is uniformly scattered in the PE matrix. The siloxene and matrix exhibit excellent interfacial adhesion. PE/siloxene nanocomposites with excellent properties were obtained.