Nanodiamonds as modifier of ethylene-1-octene copolymer structure and properties

The structure and stretching behavior of low density (0.86 g/cm³) ethylene-1-octene copolymer (EOC) modified with 0.015–1.44 vol.% (0.05–5 wt.%) of nanodiamonds (ND) particles were studied. Analysis of the structure of the EOC and nanocomposites by DSC, wide and small angle X-ray techniques revealed three phase structure in isotropic samples. In addition to the amorphous phase, there are two ordered phases: orthorhombic crystallites and hexagonal mesophase. ND particles display quite uniform distribution in EOC matrix up to 1.44 vol.%. The average size of ND particles is similar according to SAXS and WAXS data. It was found that introduction of ND particles into EOC matrix leads to the formation of the perfect orthorhombic phase crystallites, increases the rate of crystallization and crystallinity, resulting in increase in strength and Young modulus.