Studies on Mechanical Properties and Structure of LLDPE/Nano-Montmorillonite Composites

Abstract

Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/nano-montmorillonite (nano-MMT) composites were prepared by melting method. Mechanical test, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small angle light scattering (SALS) measurements were used to characterize the mechanical properties and structure of the LLDPE composite. The results indicated that the impact strength of LLDPE decreased with the increase of nano-MMT content. However, the tensile strength firstly increased and then decreased. The aggregation of nano-MMT in LLDPE happened at larger content. The spherulite size and crystallinity of LLDPE reduced with the addition of nano-MMT. Furthermore, it was found that the structure of the spherulite was destroyed by the nano-MMT. The microcrystal size of LLDPE also decreased with the increase of nano-MMT content.