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Manufacturing of Three-dimensionally Microstructured Nanocomposites through Microfluidic Infiltration
Published on: March 12, 2014
Structural analysis of nanocomposites based on HDPE/EPDM blends
Roberto Zitzumbo1, Sergio Alonso, Felipe Avalos
1CIATEC, A.C. Omega 201, Fracc. Delta 37545, Léon, Gto, México.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|April 1, 2006
Summary
This study developed nanocomposites using HDPE and EPDM blends with organoclay and EPDM-g-MA. The resulting materials show increased viscosity, indicating a nanostructure beneficial for material properties.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) blends are widely used polymers.
- Organoclay and maleic anhydride grafted EPDM (EPDM-g-MA) are effective in modifying polymer properties.
- Compatibilizers are crucial for creating stable and effective polymer nanocomposites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites using HDPE and EPDM blends.
- To investigate the role of EPDM-g-MA as a compatibilizer in organoclay-filled polymer blends.
- To understand the influence of organoclay and compatibilizer on the rheological behavior and morphology of the nanocomposites.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of nanocomposites via melt processing with organoclay and EPDM-g-MA.
- Rheological studies to analyze viscosity and structural network formation.
- X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological analysis.
- Analysis of polymer chain diffusion during the intercalation process.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in viscosity observed, suggesting percolation network formation due to intercalated and exfoliated clay.
- Nanostructured micro-domains dispersed within a continuous HDPE phase were proposed based on rheological data.
- XRD and SEM confirmed the presence of nanostructure and provided insights into the intercalation mechanism.
- Evidence of simultaneous diffusion of HDPE chains and EPDM-g-MA into silicate galleries during melt processing.
Conclusions:
- EPDM-g-MA effectively acts as a compatibilizer in HDPE/EPDM/organoclay nanocomposites.
- The addition of organoclay and EPDM-g-MA leads to significant changes in rheological properties and induces nanostructure formation.
- The study elucidates the complex intercalation mechanism involving simultaneous diffusion processes.
- The developed nanocomposites exhibit potential for advanced material applications requiring enhanced properties.
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