Mechanical, thermal, rheological, and morphological characterization of polyolefin/activated attapulgite nanocomposites
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Published:2023-07-21
Issue:39
Volume:140
Page:
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ISSN:0021-8995
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Container-title:Journal of Applied Polymer Science
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language:en
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Short-container-title:J of Applied Polymer Sci
Author:
da Silva Thais Ferreira1ORCID,
Albers Ana Paula Fonseca2,
Quinteiro Eduardo2,
Sundararaj Uttandaraman3,
Passador Fabio Roberto1
Affiliation:
1. Department of Science and Technology, Polymer and Biopolymer Technology Laboratory (TecPBio) Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) São José dos Campos São Paulo Brazil
2. Ceramic Technology Laboratory Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) São José dos Campos São Paulo Brazil
3. Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Calgary Centre for Innovative Technology: CCIT 320, Calgary Centre for Innovative Technology: CCIT 320 Calgary Alberta Canada
Abstract
AbstractLinear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) are polyolefins widely used in the packaging sector. Seeking to improve the mechanical properties with good cost‐effectiveness, attapulgite (ATP) was chosen as a reinforcing filler for the polyolefins. ATP is a hydrated magnesium and aluminum clay mineral with a microfibrous morphology, and the purity of this filler depends on the deposit. ATP is associated with the presence of accessory minerals that need to be removed so as not to interfere with its final application. Thus, an ATP purification process was carried out through physical separation and chemical treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This purification process despite having a low yield and is very effective in reducing impurities and organic matter. This ATP was named ATPa. LLDPE/ATPa and HDPE/ATPa nanocomposites with the addition of 1, 3, and 5 wt% of ATPa were prepared by extrusion and hot pressing. The mechanical properties (Shore D hardness, tensile tests, and Izod impact strength), thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry—DSC and thermogravimetric analysis—TGA), X‐ray diffraction, rheological, and transmission scanning microscopy (TEM) were determined for these nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites increased with the addition of ATPa. HDPE/ATPa nanocomposites showed more promise than LLDPE/ATPa nanocomposites. The addition of 5 wt% ATPa increased the tensile strength by 14% for the HDPE matrix and 5% for the LLDPE matrix and increased the elastic modulus by 46% for HDPE and 26% for LLDPE.
Funder
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
Subject
Materials Chemistry,Polymers and Plastics,Surfaces, Coatings and Films,General Chemistry