The Influence of Modification of Mesoporous Silica with Polyethylene Via In Situ Ziegler—Natta Polymerization on PE/MCM-41 Nanocomposite

Abstract

An organic/inorganic nanocomposite of polyethylene (PE) was prepared by compounding techniques. Uniform mono-dispersed spherical MCM-41 nano-particles were modified with polyethylene (PE) prepared by in situ Ziegler—Natta polymerization. The catalyst was first supported on the surface or in the mesopores of MCM-41 particles to subsequently initiate the polymerization of ethylene on the surface or in the mesopores of MCM-41. XRD and N ₂ adsorption analysis attested to ethylene polymerization within the mesopores of MCM-41. When MCM-41 modified with a PE layer was mixed with commercialized PE by melt blending, the strong interaction between the dispersed MCM-41 nano-particles and the resin matrix resulted in the formation of a kind of organic/inorganic network, which provided better mechanical performance than the composite from MCM-41 without a PE layer. The tensile modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break were improved by 24.7, 28.3, and 23.5% in comparison with pure PE composites.