In situ polymerization of polyethylene/clay nanocomposites using a novel clay‐supported Ziegler‐Natta catalyst

Abstract Polyethylene/clay nanocomposites (PECNC) were synthesized via in situ Ziegler‐Natta catalyst polymerization. Activated catalyst for polymerization of ethylene monomer has been prepared at first by supporting of the cocatalyst on the montmorillonite (MMT) smectite type clay and then active complex for polymerization formed by reaction of TiCl₄ and aluminum oxide compound on the clay. Acid wash treatment has been used for increasing hydroxyl group and porosity of the clay and subsequently activity of the catalyst. The nanostructure of composites was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Obtained results show that silica layers of the mineral clay in these polyethylene/nanocomposites were exfoliated, intercalated, and uniformly dispersed in the polyethylene matrix even at very high concentration of the clay. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows good thermal stability of the PECNCs. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results reveal considerable decrease in the crystalline phase of the PECNC samples. Results of permeability analysis show an increase in barrier properties of PECNC films. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers