Polyolefin clay nanocomposites

Abstract

This chapter is divided into four main parts. The first part briefly describes theoretical reasons for modification of either nanoclays or polymeric matrix. In the following, brief discussion of morphology characterization methods of nanocomposites is given. The next three parts of the chapter are concerned with polypropylene, polyethylene, and EVA copolymers nanocomposites. Each part discusses several conditions which affect morphology and final characteristics of prepared nanocomposites. In general, the main attention is paid to processing conditions such as resident time, temperature, screw speed, etc. Furthermore, the morphological structure is discussed on the basis of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Final properties are evaluated using, for instance, mechanical properties, such as modulus, elongation at break, and ultimate tensile strength, and dynamic mechanical analysis: both loss and storage modulus. Thermal behavior is characterized by thermogravimetric analysis: either iso- or nonisothermal mode and flammability is determined by burning behavior. Finally, the effect of the clay presence on crystallinity and crystallization effect are mentioned.