Interfacial Interactions and Properties of Polyethylene‐Layered Silicate Nanocomposites

Summary: Organically modified montmorillonites (OMs), carrying alkyl chains, phenyl groups, or a combination of both, were prepared and compounded with polyethylene. The oxygen permeability coefficients and tensile properties of the nanocomposites were correlated to the exfoliation of the OMs. Partial exfoliation was achieved, although no intercalation was observed. Aromatic moieties attached to the clay surface led to a stronger interaction between the OM layers and less exfoliation. Transmission electron micrograph of a 2.8 vol.‐% dioctadecyldimethylammonium nanocomposite. The dark lines are cross sections of aluminosilicate layers. magnified image Transmission electron micrograph of a 2.8 vol.‐% dioctadecyldimethylammonium nanocomposite. The dark lines are cross sections of aluminosilicate layers.