Preparation of surface modified nano-Mg(OH)2 via precipitation method

Nano-magnesium hydroxide was prepared via wet precipitation by using the mixture of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and monoalcohol ether phosphate (MAP) as surface modifiers. The yield of the surface modified nano-Mg(OH)₂ was about 98%. The usage and dosage of surface modifiers were optimized by means of the measurements of suspension volume of the nano-particles in liquid paraffin. As the mass ratio of SDS to MAP was 2:1 and the total of 0.2 wt.% of Mg(OH)₂ theoretical weight (4.35 g) was used, the nano-Mg(OH)₂ with optimized dispersibility was obtained. The volume percent of the surface modified nano-particles suspension in liquid paraffin could reach 96% after 11 h while that of the nano-Mg(OH)₂ without modification would be 62%. The as-prepared samples were characterized through N₂ adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC). The results show that hexagonal crystal nano-particles with both SDS and MAP molecules on the surfaces were obtained. The LOI value of PP composites is 35.0 at 150 phr (50% by weight) of surface modified nano-Mg(OH)₂.