The Role of Undecenoic Acid on the Preparation of Decorated MCM-41/Polyethylene Hybrids by In Situ Polymerization: Catalytic Aspects and Properties of the Resultant Materials

Functionalized polyethylene-based nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization of ethylene with modified or neat MCM-41 nanoparticles (NMCM-41). Two different synthetic approaches investigated to improve the compatibility between hydrophobic HDPE matrix and hydrophilic NMCM-41: (i) incorporation UA into polymeric copolymerization ethylene, promoted zirconocene catalyst under homogeneous conditions, presence pristine NMCM-41; (ii) use undecenoic acid (UA) as an interfacial agent obtain decorated NMCM-41 be used nanofiller for polymerization, catalyzed Cp2ZrCl2/MAO supported conditions. The strong polar character carboxylic group is expected either increase hydrophilicity chains (strategy i) interact surface provide additional link via vinyl conditions ii). Although metallocene catalysts have been shown copolymerize olefins functional monomers, oxygen-containing compounds reaction media strongly affects activity a result interaction groups electrophilic active center catalyst. Thus, was pre-contacted tri(isobutyl)aluminum (TIBA) prior its reduce deactivating towards influence on behavior protection step discussed, activities observed are compared. In addition, thermal structural details resulting materials characterized. impact using functionalized final dispersion within also analyzed, which correlated mechanical performance exhibited these HDPE_UA_NMCM-41 nanocomposites.