Influence of processing variables on the mechanical behavior of HDPE/clay nanocomposites

Nanocomposites were processed using the technique of melt intercalation, starting from a concentrated polar compatibilizer/organoclay (PE-g-MA/organoclay) prepared in an internal mixer. The concentrate was incorporated into the matrix of HDPE by two methods: I) counter-rotating twin-screw extruder and II) co-rotating twin-screw extruder, using two screw profiles (ROS and 2KB90). After extrusion, the specimens of the extruded composites were injection molded. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used to analyze the degree of expansion of the prepared clays. To analyze the degree of exfolia...