Research on the behavior of nanoclay as compatibilizer agent and its effects on rheological and morphological characteristics in nanocomposite polyamide / polyethylene / nanoclay

• Grant number: 16/05316-4
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): June 01, 2016
• Effective date (End): May 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal researcher: Rondes Ferreira da Silva Torin
• Grantee: Fernando Augusto de Oliveira
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Tecnologia de Mauá (FATEC Mauá). Centro Paula Souza (CEETEPS). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). Mauá , SP, Brazil

Abstract

A nanoclay is well known for its ability to impart barrier properties to polymer matrices, however there are few studies that demonstrate its potential as a compatibilizing agent. This study aims to investigate the behavior of nanoclay (montmorillonila Closite 20A) as coupling agent for the blend composed of low density polyethylene (PE) and polyamide 12 (PA), analyzing the rheological and morphological properties. It is expected a good interaction between the nanoclay, not only at the interface, but also in polymeric matrix PA / PE, since the nanoclay and the polyamide have a higher affinity due to intermolecular polarity factors. The nanocomposites (PA / PE / nanoclay) are produced with the following formulation which has a polyamide matrix with reinforcing polyethylene (PE / PA - 80/20), where are incorporated nanoclay fractions 2 to 6%, in function of PA mass . Once determined the percentage of nanoclay in mixtures formulations (PA / PE / nanoclay) will be subjected to processing in the twin screw extruder at 200 to 240 ° C. Subsequently the samples are subjected to analysis of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), rheology using a rheometer with parallel plates and scanning electron miscrocopia (SEM), in order to assess the nanoclay of behavior likely the interphase of the nanocomposite, as well as its dispersion between the phases of the blend and its effects on the structure of the material as a nucleating agent.