Flammability and morphology of HDPE/clay nanocomposites

• Published in: Journal of thermal analysis and calorimetry 2014, Vol.115 (1), p.627-634
• Main Authors: Barbosa, Renata, Alves, Tatianny S., Araújo, Edcleide M., Mélo, Tomás. J. A., Camino, Giovanni, Fina, Alberto, Ito, Edson N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Analytical Chemistry; Calorimetry; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Clay (material); Combustion; Compatibility; Diffraction; Flammability; Inorganic Chemistry; Measurement Science and Instrumentation; Morphology; Nanocomposites; Physical Chemistry; Polyethylene; Polyethylenes; Polymer Sciences; X-rays
• ISSN: 1388-6150; 1588-2926; 1572-8943
• DOI: 10.1007/s10973-013-3310-1

High-density polyethylene/modified bentonite clay/polar compatibilizer nanocomposites were prepared through the melt intercalation process. The clay was organophilizated using different percentages of quaternary ammonium salt 100, 125, and 150 % based cation exchange capacity of the clay. The nanocomposites were prepared in a counter-rotating twin-screw extruder and then specimens were injection molded. For the evaluation of flammability of the test system was used for burning in the horizontal position according to the norm (Underwriters Laboratories, UL94HB) and to the method of cone calorimeter. The thermal behavior of nanocomposites was evaluated by thermogravimetry and X-ray diffraction techniques, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology and analyze the degree of expansion of the clays prepared and the degree of exfoliation of nanocomposites. It was observed that the percentage of ammonium salt and the compatibilizer polar influence on the final properties of the systems and consequently improving the thermal stability and reducing the flammability of the matrix.