Combustion behavior of polyethylene/modified montmorillonite clay nanocomposites prepared by ultrasonication

Abstract

Composites of low density polyethylene with Cloisite 20Aclay (OMC) were prepared using ultrasonication. Atomic force microscope (AFM) images showed that ultrasonication could mostly decrease particle size and distribution of clay particles in the polymer matrix. Due to better dispersion of clay and smaller particle size, the flammability properties of PE-LD composites were reduced. Thermogravimetric studies showed that incorporation of OMC to PE-LD matrix improved the thermal stability of samples and enlarge the char yield.