Polyethylene/graphite oxide nanocomposites obtained by in situ polymerization using modified graphite oxide–supported metallocene catalysts

The nanosheet–shaped polyethylene/graphite oxide (PE/GO) nanocomposites were attained by in situ ethylene polymerization using MAO/Cp₂ZrCl₂ catalyst system supported on the graphite oxides modified with phenylalanine, butylamine, octylamine or 3–aminopropyltriethoxysilane, respectively. The introduction of the organic guests between graphite oxide sheets led to the nanoscale exfoliation and gradual dispersion of GO in the PE matrix during the in situ ethylene polymerization. Morphological examination of the ultimate PE/GO nanocomposites by TEM, SEM, and XRD techniques revealed effective dispersion in nanoscale of GO in PE matrix. In comparison, the traditional phase separated composite was obtained using unmodified GO–supported metallocene catalyst system. The heat endurance of the PE/GO composite is much better than that of polyethylene from homogeneous polymerization.