Fabrication of polyethylene/graphene nanocomposites through in situ polymerization with a spherical graphene/MgCl2-supported Ziegler-Natta catalyst

In this study, a spherical grapheme (G)/MgCl2-supported Ti-based Ziegler-Natta catalyst was prepared by a facile spray-coagglomeration method. The effects of graphene on catalyst morphology, ethylene polymerization behavior, and polymer properties were investigated. The resultant product was spherical, and the G was well dispersed in the whole polyethylene (PE) matrix. In addition, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PE were significantly enhanced with the introduction of a very small amount of G (0.09 wt%) due to good dispersion of the graphene fillers in the PE matrix. Thus, this work provides a facile approach for the production of high-performance PE.