Exploring the simultaneous effect of organoclay and controlled peroxide curing on thermal stability of LLDPE/EMA blend

The effects of organoclay, Cloisite®20A on the thermal degradation behavior of LLDPE/EMA blends were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis in nitrogen atmosphere. Organoclay, Cloisite®20A was melt blended with LLDPE/EMA system at different loadings by varying the sequence of addition. The kinetics of thermal degradation of the nanocomposites had also been studied. Experiments were carried out at heating rates of 5, 10, 15 °C/min in nitrogen atmosphere. Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose method has been used to determine the activation energies of degradation. The loading of Cloisite®20A and their sequence of addition has significant effect on the thermal stability of LLDPE/EMA blends. The results showed that Cloisite®20A slightly decreases the initial decomposition temperature (Tonset) of LLDPE/EMA blend but significantly enhances the maximum decomposition temperature (Tmax). Addition of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) to the LLDPE/EMA/Cloisite®20A further increases the thermal stability of the nanocomposites. Overall, the thermal stability of the LLDPE/EMA/Cloisite®20A nanocomposites is the function of the extent and sequence of clay addition as well as extent of DCP loading.

► At high temperature Cloisite®20A accelerates the removal of methoxy carbonyl group from EMA and shows two separate distinct degradation peak in DTG. ► Cloisite®20A marginally decreases the Tonset of LLDPE/EMA blend. ► Cloisite®20A significantly enhances Tmax of LLDPE/EMA blend. ► Addition of dicumyl peroxide further increases the thermal stability of the nanocomposites.