Effect of a Compatibilizer on the Microstructure and Properties of Partially Biodegradable LDPE/Aliphatic Polyester/Organoclay Nanocomposites

In the present work, low density polyethylene (LDPE)/aliphatic polyester (APES)/organoclay ternary nanocomposites were prepared. In particular, the effect of a compatibilizer, polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH), on the morphology and properties of the ternary nanocomposites was investigated. LDPE/APES/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared through melt intercalation method using two different kinds of organoclay. The dispersibility of silicate clays in the nanocomposites was investigated by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The ternary nanocomposites showed higher tensile properties than the LDPE/APES blend did. The dispersibility and properties of nanocomposites containing Cloisite 30B were better than those of the nanocomposites containing Cloisite 20A. Unlike Cloisite 20A, hydroxyl groups in the intercalants in Cloisite 30B interlayer underwent a certain polar interaction with the carboxyl group of APES, favoring the intercalation of APES chains and the formation of LDPE/APES/Closite 30B nanocomposites. However, the introduction of the polar hydroxyl groups also enhanced the interaction with the silicate surface at the same time, thereby rendering somewhat difficult the replacement of the surface contacts by LDPE chains, and impeding the extensive intercalation and further exfoliation of Cloisite 30B in the LDPE/APES matrix. The compatibilizer enhanced the intercalation of the polymer chain inside the clay gallery and thus improved the mechanical properties of the ternary nanocomposites. Rheological measurements of the nanocomposites via frequency sweep experiment indicated a certain interaction between the clay platelet and the polymer molecules in the melted state.