Preparation of Well-Exfoliated Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/α-Zirconium Phosphate Nanocomposites

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c00146
• Publication Date: 2021-04-15T00:01:38Z
• Authors: Mingzhen Zhao; Joseph Baker; Zhiyuan Jiang; Zewen Zhu; Hong-Mao Wu; Jen-Long Wu; Wen-Hao Kang; Hung-Jue Sue
• Keywords: Exfoliation joint; Zirconium phosphate; Vinyl acetate; Surface Modification

Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PEVAc) nanocomposites containing exfoliated α-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) have been prepared using a simple solution mixing method to improve their barrier and mechanical properties. ZrP was pre-exfoliated with surfactant, followed by additional targeted surface functionalization surfactant exchange allow for hydrogen bonding of the acetate functionality on PEVAc hydrophobicity. The solvent is found play an important role in stabilizing exfoliation presence retain full homogeneous dispersion upon removal solvent. PEVAc/ZrP nanocomposite exhibits greatly improved oxygen barrier, melt strength, usefulness present study preparation olefinic polymer discussed.