title: Reinforcing effect of organo-modified layered silicates in high-density polyethylene.
abstract: This study focuses on the understanding of the reinforcing effect given by organo-modified layered silicates to a high-density polyethylene and the influence on the crystallization properties of this polymer. The addition of organo-modified clay to high-density polyethylene resulted in an evident increase in the tensile and flexural Young's modulus of the material with respect to unfilled polymer. The morphology, crystallinity, and thermo-oxidative stability of such nanocomposites were investigated using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and oxidation induction time test. The materials obtained show tactoid as well as intercalated and exfoliated structures with different dominant states depending on the loading level and process conditions. It was observed that organic ions not only change mixing behavior but also influence material properties, including the degree of crystallinity and the stability to the thermo-oxidative phenomena.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Process Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Modesti
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Besco
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lorenzetti
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zanirato
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rauli
mesh_terms: D000538:Aluminum Silicates / Q000737:chemistry*; D000077215:Clay; D003461:Crystallography / Q000379:methods*; D004548:Elasticity; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D017640:Silicates / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D017640:Silicates; D020959:Polyethylene; D000077215:Clay