Control the discontinuity of the flow curve of the polyethylene by nanoclay and compatabilizer

Abstract

A study on the melt elasticity behavior and extrudate characteristic of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/nanoclay composite and maleated polyethylene (MAPE) as compatabilizer was done. Extrusion studies were carried out in capillary rheometer. A microscope has been used to examine the surface characteristics of the extrudate by taking photographs. With a view to characterize melt elasticity of these nanocomposites, parameters such as die swell, principle normal stress, recoverable shear strain, and shear modulus were calculated. Compatibilizers were premade as block copolymers (BCPs), are of crucial importance during the formation and stabilization of polymer blends. These polymeric surfactants reduce the interfacial tension, R, between the blend components, and due to their ability to accumulate preferentially in the interface, they stabilize the obtained morphology against coalescence. Small amounts of these species in the range of parts of percent are already active.

Keywords

• Polyethylene (PE)
• Nanoclay
• Compatabilizer
• Flow curve