Abstract
In this paper, high density polyethylene (HDPE)/montmorillonite nanocomposites (HDPECNs) were prepared via conventional and ultrasonic extrusion technology developed in the authors' laboratory. X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy results show that ultrasonic oscillations can effectively improve the dispersion of organic montmorillonite (OMMT) particles in HDPE matrix with some exfoliation of OMMT. The yield strength, elongation at break and Young's modulus of ultrasonicated HDPECNs with the ultrasonic intensity of 200 W are thus respectively improved by 11·1, 30·2 and 12·3% compared to those of conventional HDPECNs. The crystalline behaviour and spherulite morphology of HDPE in HDPECNs were also investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and polarising light microscopy. The results show that the OMMT particles and ultrasonic oscillations play important roles in the nucleation rate, crystallisation temperature and spherulite size of HDPE. Ultrasonic oscillations can improve the crystallinity and reduce the spherulite size of HDPE matrix in nanocomposites.
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