고분자/점토의 nanocomposite는 고분자에 소량의 점토를 첨가해도 물리적, 기계적, 열적 특성이 증가하기 때문에 최근 이에 관련된 연구가 증가되고 있다. 특히 montmorillonite(MMT)와 같은 smectite 계열의 점토는 높은 종횡비, 판형의 층상구조, 경제성 때문에 산업적으로 이용가치가 많다고 할 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 PE/MMT nanocomposite는 고분자를 용융시킨 후 점토를 삽입하여 시편을 제조하였다. 나노입자의 구조는 XRD 및 TEM을 이용하여 확인하였고, 난연성은 LOI, 탄화층 생성량, 연기중량농도의 측정을 통하여 검토하였다. 또한 PE/MMT nanocomposite의 열적 안정성은 DTG-DTA 분석을 통하여 검토하였다. 그 결과 종래의 화합물보다 그 특성이 보강되었다. 난연성은 연소시 탄화층 형성에 의하여 증가 되었음을 확인할 수 있었다.
Polymer/clay nanocomposites have generated considerable interests in the past decade because adding just tiny amount of clay to the polymer matrix could produce a dramatic enhancement in physical, thermal and mechanical properties. Smectite clays, such as montmorillonite (MMT), are of great industrial value because of their high aspect ratio, plate morphology, intercalative capacity, natural abundance and low cost. In this study, PE/MMT nanocomposites were directly prepared by melt intercalating PE and the modified clay. The nanostructure was verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and their flame retardant properties were measured and discussed by limiting oxygen index (LOI), char yield and smoke mass concentration. And their thermal stabilities were measured by differential thermogravimetric (DTG) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The PE/MMT nanocomposites proved more effective the conventional composites in reinforcement. Two functions in the thermal stability of the PE/MMT nanocomposite, one is the barrier effect to improve the thermal stability, and another is catalysis, leading to a decrease of the thermal stability. The flammability was greatly decreased due to the formation of the clay-enriched protective char during the combustion.
