Effect of PEgMA/amine silane compatibilizer on clay dispersion of polyethylene-clay nanocomposites

The compatibilization effects provided by an amine silane modified polyethylene (PEgAS) versus those by a maleated polyethylene (PEgMA), for forming PE–clay based nanocomposites, were studied. PEgAS was prepared by condensation reaction between PEgMA and g-(aminopropyl) triethoxy silane (APTS). It had the triethoxy-silane functionality on one end and was solution mixed with an organomodified clay (Cloisite 20A) to promote the reaction of the silane groups with the hydroxyl groups on the surface of the clay. The obtained masterbatches were then compounded with PE to obtain PE–clay nanocomposites by melt blending in a twin screw extruder, using different compatibilizers and clay contents. FTIR, XRD, STEM, and Instron were used to characterize the structural, morphological, and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Results showed that the PEgAS formed more exfoliated–intercalated morphology and better mechanical properties, especially in modulus and tensile strength as compared with PEgMA composites and neat PE. The Young modulus was 35% higher, and the tensile strength was 18% higher with PEgAS composites.