(708f) TGA and TEM Analysis of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) and Maleated Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE-g-MA) Infused with Nanoclay In Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The addition of clay filler to polymers can have a desirable effect on the mechanical, thermal and gas-barrier properties of the polymer.  To maximize the effect of clay on the polymer, a high level of clay surface area should be in contact with the polymer matrix.  To accomplish this, the clay is intercalated or delaminated into individual platelets and uniformly dispersed throughout the polymer matrix.  The processing of clays and polymers in supercritical carbon dioxide can increase intercalation, delamination and dispersion of clays in a polymer matrix.  Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and maleated linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE-g-MA) were subjected to supercritical carbon dioxide in the presence of nanoclay and the resulting nanocomposites were analyzed to determine the extent of infusion and delamination.  The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analyses confirmed infusion of clay into the polymer matrix.  In this work, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to determine the amount of clay infused into the polymers.  And transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine the clay particle size and to examine whether or not delamination had occurred.