Structure, morphology, and properties of LDPE/sepiolite nanofiber nanocomposite

Abstract

Sepiolite (SEP) nanofibers have been modified by grafting with poly(pentaerythritol diphosphonate dichloridehexamethylendiamine) (PSPHD) and compounded with low density polyethylene (LDPE) to form a nanocomposite. The various modified SEPs were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis. The Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy tests show that covalent bonding exists between SEP fiber and modifiers. The nanoscale size and morphologies of SEP fiber and modified SEP nanofibers can be observed clearly by TEM. The thermogravimetric analysis results reveal that the multi-step thermal degradation process of SEP fiber is changed by grafting modification. The various LDPE/SEP nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron micrograph, TEM, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile test. The results suggest that a good interfacial modification effect has been obtained between PSPHD-SEP and LDPE matrix. A particular improvement in tensile strength is reflected in tensile tests. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows that the storage moduli (E') of PSPHD-SEP/LDPE nanocomposites are much higher than that of neat LDPE and a-SEP/LDPE systems.

Synergistic effects of polyoxometalate‐based ionic liquid‐doped sepiolite in intumescent flame‐retardant high‐density polyethylene

“…The other part of coordinated water in SEP was removed between 400°C and 650°C. At 800°C, the last step of SEP dehydration occurred, which led to the destruction of SEP structure and the formation of enstatite (MgSiO 3 ) and silica 13,30 . Finally, the neat SEP had a total mass loss of about 13.3% in the temperature range of 40–800°C.…”

“…SEP is rich in Si and Mg and has a unique nanofibrous structure, which makes it possible to be a potential flame retardant or reinforcing agent. Moreover, hydroxyl groups on the surface of fibrous SEP particles are highly active and can be functionally modified before preparing nanocomposites 13,14 . Previous studies found that SEP could act as a synergistic agent in intumescent formulations by catalyzing the char‐forming reaction and improving the strength of the protective char layer 15,16 .…”

Poly(lactic acid)/(styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene)‐g‐maleic anhydride copolymer/sepiolite nanocomposites: Investigation of thermo‐mechanical and morphological properties

“…Sepiolite, Mg 8 Si 12 O 30 (OH) 4 (H 2 O) 4 .8H 2 O, is a layered hydrated magnesium silicate with a needle‐like morphology and a high‐specific surface area (200‐300 m 2 /g) . It is an efficient reinforcing filler for some polymers and blends like polyamide‐6, PP, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polyurethane, poly(sulphone ether imide), PLA/low density polyethylene blend, PLA/polycaprolactone blend, PLA/PP blend, PLA/natural rubber blend, and PLA, too . Liu et al reported that traditional modification of sepiolite is unnecessary because modified sepiolite deteriorate thermal properties of PLA.…”

Understanding Urea Encapsulation in Different Clay Minerals as a Possible System for Ruminant Nutrition

“…For Sep, the four mass-loss events have a maximum loss at 70 °C, 261 °C, 495 °C, and 802 °C, with respective mass-loss percentages of 0.96%, 3.32%, 2.98%, and 2.60%. Sep has the same attributes as Pal, and the clay minerals are differentiated by the temperatures and percentages of loss in each event [23,24].…”