NÓBREGA, Karine Castro.; BARBOSA, Renata.; ARAÚJO, Edcleide Maria.; MELO, Tomás Jéferson Alves de.
Resumo:
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.