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Nanocomposites Based on Polyethylene and Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes, 1 – Microstructure, Thermal and Thermomechanical Properties
Author(s) -
Hato Mpitloane J.,
Ray Suprakas Sinha,
Luyt Adriaan S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.200800146
Subject(s) - materials science , linear low density polyethylene , nanocomposite , differential scanning calorimetry , composite material , thermal stability , polyethylene , microstructure , compatibilization , polymer , chemical engineering , polymer blend , copolymer , physics , engineering , thermodynamics
Nanocomposites of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), with three different amounts of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), were prepared through melt‐mixing in a batch‐mixer at 150 °C. The structure of the prepared nanocomposites was studied by X‐ray scattering and optical microscopy. The surface morphology of the nanocomposites was investigated through field‐emission SEM. The thermal properties of the pure LLDPE and nanocomposites were studied by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Thermomechanical properties were assessed on a Paar‐Physics MCR501 rheometer using a solid‐state rectangular fixture. Results exhibited a significant improvement in both the storage and loss moduli of the neat LLDPE upon the incorporation of the POSS particles. A substantial improvement in thermal stability was also observed in the high‐temperature region.