Desenvolvimento de nanocompósitos de PE/argila organofílica.

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites are hybrid materials where nanometer dimensions inorganic substances are disperse in a polymer matrix. The fillers present large surface area promoting better dispersion in the polymer matrix and, for this reason physical properties enhanced of composites that depend on material homogeneity. Generally, the preparation of nanocomposites with polymer matrix allows finding a relation among low cost due to the using of small amount of filler and a large level of performance. In this work, HDPE/clay nanocomposites were obtained. The montmorillonite clay was treated with a quaternary ammonium salt and the quantity of the salt was varied at different levels (100, 125, 150%). Furthermore, polar compatibilizers were used to improve interaction between the polymer and the clay. The results of TG showed that in general the thermal stability of the systems was improved by the presence of clay and the polar compatibilizers. Probably, the clay acted as a barrier to protect the polymer matrix.