Chen W, Qu BJ (2003b) Synthesis and characterization of PE-g-MA/MgAl-LDH exfoliation nanocomposite via solution intercalation. Chinese Journal of Chemistry 21(8), 998-1000. [In English]

Web link: Keywords:

polymer/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites, exfoliation, thermal, stability, layered double hydroxides, delamination, clays, films,

Abstract: An organo-modified MgAl-layered double hydroxide (OMgAl-LDH) was successfully exfoliated in the xylene solution of polyethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) under refluxing condition. A PE-g-MA/MgAl-LDH exfoliation nanocomposite was formed after the precipitation of PE-g-MA from the dispersion system. The structure and thermal property of the PE-g-MA/MgAl-LDH exfoliation nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The disappearance of d(001) XRD peak of OMgAl-LDH at 2theta=3.2degrees suggests that the MgAl hydroxide sheets are exfoliated in the nanocomposite. The TEM image shows that the MgAl hydroxide sheets of less than 70 nm in length or width are exfoliated and dispersed disorderly in PE-g-MA matrix. TGA profiles indicate that the PE-g-MA/MgAl-LDH nanocomposite with 5 wt% OMgAl-LDH loading shows a faster charring process in temperature range from 210 to 390degreesC and a greater thermal stability beyond 390degreesC than PE-g-MA does. The decomposition temperature of the nanocomposite is 25degreesC higher than that of PE-g-MA as measured at 50% weight loss. The PE-g-MA/MgAl-LDH nanocomposite is promising for application of flame-retardant polymeric materials.