Novel hybrid of clay,cellulose, and thermoplastics. I. Preparation and characterization of composites of ethylene–propylene copolymer

The present study is aimed to prepare hybrid materials by incorporating layered silicates and microcrystalline cellulose into thermoplastic polymer. Using ethylene–propylene (EP) copolymer as thermoplastic polymer matrix and maleated EP (MEP) copolymer as compatibilizer, three types of composites were prepared by (i) melt mixing of cellulose with thermoplastics I], (ii) melt mixing of clay with thermoplastics II], and (iii) melt mixing of cellulose with the thermoplastic clay nanocomposites III]. They were characterized by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Instron was used to measure the mechanical properties. The composites II] and III] that contain layered silicates were intercalated nanocomposites as confirmed by XRD and transmission electron microscopy. The improvement in tensile properties was observed in cellulose–fiber‐reinforced composites with increasing cellulose content. In nanocomposites II] and III], the tensile modulus was improved. The resistance of the cellulose composites I] for water absorption decreased with increasing content of cellulose fibers. The incorporation of layered silicates reduced the water absorption of cellulose composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2672–2682, 2007