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Structure and properties of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/polyethylene nanocomposites synthesized by in situ polymerization with supported Cp 2 ZrCl 2 catalyst
Author(s) -
Li Shiyun,
Chen Hui,
Cui Dongmei,
Li Jianzhong,
Zhang Zhenjiang,
Wang Yanhui,
Tang Tao
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.20831
Subject(s) - materials science , nanocomposite , carbon nanotube , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , polyethylene , in situ polymerization , composite material , thermal stability , ultimate tensile strength , polymerization , raman spectroscopy , scanning electron microscope , transmission electron microscopy , chemical engineering , polymer , nanotechnology , physics , optics , engineering
Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites were prepared via in situ polymerization with MWCNTs supported Bis‐ (cyclopentadienyl) zirconium dichloride (Cp 2 ZrCl 2 ) catalyst. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) results implied that Cp 2 ZrCl 2 catalyst was immobilized in the surface of the MWCNTs supports via a bridge of methylaluminoxane (MAO). The efficient dispersion of MWCNTs in PE matrix and the strong compressive forces associated with PE on the MWCNTs were demonstrated by means of transmission electron microscope (TEM), FESEM and Raman spectra. With introducing 0.2 wt% MWCNTs, both the tensile strength and elongation of MWCNTs/PE nanocomposite were improved by factors of 1.6 (from 29 to 45 MPa) and 1.5 (from 909% to 1360%) comparing with the pure PE, respectively. Morphology observation of fractured surface revealed that the PE firmly adhered to the nanotubes, which was responsible for the significant improvement of the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Thermal stabilities of the nanocomposites were significantly improved. In addition, the MWCNTs/PE nanocomposites showed very high ultraviolet (UV) shielding property, which could increase photooxidative stability of the PE. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers