Effect of oxidized paraffin wax on the thermal and mechanical properties of linear low-density polyethylene-layered silicate nanocomposites

Oxidized paraffin wax was used as a possible compatibilizer in composites containing LLDPE and layered nano silicate clays. The samples were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). There was no exfoliation or intercalation of the clay layers in the absence of wax, while an obvious increase in d-spacings was observed when the samples were prepared with wax present. Generally, the modulus increased with both clay and wax contents, while the tensile strength generally decreased. The type of modifier in the clay determined the extent of the changes in these properties. The thermal stability of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) generally improved with increasing clay content, but the presence of wax seems to slightly reduce the thermal stability, although these samples were still more thermally stable than pure LLDPE. Both clay and wax had an obvious influence on the crystallization behaviour of LLDPE, which was also determined by the type of modifier in the clay.