Abstract
A suitable Ziegler–Natta catalyst was prepared by supporting TiCl4 on sodium montmorillonite (Na+MMT) modified by butyl octyl magnesium (BOM). This catalyst was applied for the polymerization of ethylene toward a polyethylene (PE)/Na+MMT nanocomposite. Catalyst behavior and nanocomposite properties were studied. It was found that catalyst activity was acceptably high. In addition, it had a smooth rate during ethylene polymerization. Transmission electron microscopy image and X-ray diffraction pattern evidenced an excellent exfoliation of the Na+MMT layers in the polymer matrix.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Petrochemical Research and Technology Co. of NPC, Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) and AmirKabir University of Technology for their support in carrying out this project. We would also like to thank Z. Hasanvand, D. Sodbar, S. Mohammadi, N. Zare, L. Baharmand, M. R. Seddigh-e-rad, S. M. Beheshti and B. Raeisi for their help.
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Abedi, S., Abdouss, M., Daftari-Besheli, M. et al. Highly exfoliated PE/Na+MMT nanocomposite produced via in situ polymerization by a catalyst supported on a novel modified Na+MMT. Polym. Bull. 70, 2783–2792 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-013-0987-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-013-0987-z