The synthesis of organically modified layered double hydroxide and its effect on the structure and physical properties of low-density polyethylene/ethylene–vinyl acetate blends
Organically modified layered double hydroxide (OM-LDH) was synthesized via anion exchange reaction and potassium monolauryl phosphate (MAPK) was used as an intercalator. The OM-LDH nanofillers were embedded into low-density polyethylene/ethylene–vinyl acetate (LDPE/EVA) via melt blending process which provided LDPE/EVA/OM-LDH nanocomposites. The structure and properties of the fabricated samples were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction techniques, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and tensile testing. The results showed that the organic anion was intercalated into the interlayer region of LDH and enlarged the interlayer distance. The TGA results of the nanocomposites showed significantly improved thermal stability at a higher temperature when containing 6 wt% OM-LDH due to the good dispersion of OM-LDH in the matrix. The DSC data indicated that the degree of crystallinity was increased obviously due to the incorporation of OM-LDH in the matrix. The formation of organic side chains on the OM-LDH surface also contributed to an improvement in the interfacial adhesion, resulting in enhanced tensile strength and elongation at break compared with LDH.