Abstract
AbstractThe effects of shear rate upon the flow-induced nanoclay orientation and morphological stability in film blown polyethylene clay nanocomposites were studied by means of linear and nonlinear rheological characterization parallel with differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Nanocomposite samples were prepared using a modular twin screw extruder followed by film processing technique. XRD analysis performed on film samples showed that the samples exhibited intercalated/exfoliated microstructure. The 3D physical networks were formed by the clay nanolayers in the structures of undrawn samples. However, the breakdown of the clay physical networks during film processing as a result of the imposed shear field within the die area and also an elongational flow field was evidenced. Time sweep test performed at various shear rates and shearing times using a rheometric mechanical spectrometer showed that, in all samples, the time required for the restructurization of the clay nanolayers during relaxation of the melt was found to be higher than 3600 s.
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