THERMAL STABILITY AND BARRIER PROPERTIES BEHAVIOR OF HDPE

T. C. RODRIGUES, V. J. R. R. PITA, M. C. CARRERA, H. A. DESTÉFANIS, M. I. B. TAVARES, E. ERDMANN AND MARCOS L. DIAS

Guarujá - San Pablo - Brasil

Simposio; VII Encontro da SBPMAT; 2008

SBPMAT

The mechanisms responsible for the enhancement of physical properties of polymer clay nanocomposites (PCN) over pristine polymers are not well understood. This knowledge is important for obtaining a better control over the physical properties of PCN and designing PCN with tailored properties. The interactions among the different constituents of PCN may be a key factor for controlling physical properties of PCN. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites based on organically modified clay (oganoclay) and compatibilizer agent were prepared by melt intercalation technique. Xray diffraction was used to characterize the nano-structure of these composites while the thermal stability was evaluated from thermogravimetric analysis and flammability parameters. The barrier properties were determined by cyclohexane pervaporation. Formation of intercalated HDPE nanocomposites was observed in presence of the organoclay and with an organoclay/compatibilizer system. The nanocomposite showed a reduced rate of combustion and a good barrier performance when compared with the pure polymer. The results show that the composition system influences the HDPE nanocomposites solvent pervaporation resistance. Keywords: HDPE, nanocomposite and barrier propertie.