Preparation of Exfoliated Low-density Polyethylene/Montmorillonite Nanocomposites Through Melt Extrusion1

The effects of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) as a compatibilizer on the dispersion of organically modified montmorillonite (org-MMT) into low-density polyethylene (LDPE) during melt extrusion compounding were studied. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that as compared with LDPE, EVA can intercalate more easily into the interlay gallery of org-MMT when the composites contain a low org-MMT content. Exfoliated LDPE/org-MMT nanocomposites in the presence of an EVA compatibilizer could be prepared by using a two-step melt compounding technique with a twin-screw extruder.