Jamal, Nur Ayuni and Anuar, Hazleen and Ahmad, Zuraida and Abd Razak, Shamsul Bahri
(2010)
Hazardless nanocomposite for gas barrier potential.
In: IIUM Research, Innovation & Invention Exhibition (IRIIE 2010), 26 - 27 January 2010, Kuala Lumpur.
Abstract
Composites based on high density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)
and Organically Modified Montmorillonite (OMMT) clays were made by melt compounding followed by
compression molding. Tensile testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy
(TEM) were used to characterize the nanocomposites. The addition of clay, compatibilizer agent (Maleic
Anhydride Polyethylene (MAPE)) and the exposure under Electron Beam Irradiation (EB) considerably
improved the tensile properties of the composite system. Tensile Strength (MPa) and Tensile Modulus
(MPa) were found to increase significantly with increasing clay content and decreasing as the clay content
exceeds 4 wt% values. The largest improvement in composite mechanical properties occurred at clay
loading levels of 4% (2-8 wt %) with EB Irradiation system followed by MAPE and
unirradiated/untreated systems. Nearly 67% increase in tensile strength and 64% increase in tensile
modulus were observed with EB irradiated system. The d spacings of the clay in nanocomposite were
monitored using XRD and the extent of delamination was examined by TEM. The wide angle of XRD
patterns showed the increased d-spacing of clay layers, indicating enhanced compatibility between HDPE
and OMMT with the EB irradiated and addition of MAPE. TEM photomicrographs illustrated the
intercalated and partially exfoliated structures of the nanocomposite with OMMT and MAPE system.
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