Morphology and crystallization kinetics of polyethylene/long alkyl-chain substituted Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) nanocomposite blends: A SAXS/WAXS study

The dispersal, quiescent crystallization kinetics and morphology of a series of unique polyethylene–polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (PE-POSS) nanocomposite blends is presented. POSS molecules with long linear alkyl-chain substituents were blended at one composition into a commercial low density polyethylene. Time-resolved Small- and Wide-Angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and thermal techniques were used to elucidate the affect that POSS and its substituent groups have on the dispersal and crystallization kinetics of the host polymer. The miscibility and dispersal of the POSS molecules was seen to increase with the increasing alkyl-chain length substituents suggesting increased compatibility and interaction with the host polymer chains. The POSS molecules act as nucleating agents increasing the crystallinity, crystallization kinetics and influencing the final lamellar morphology. Thus, these unique POSS compounds show great potential as nancomposite filler particles in polyolefins where the alkyl-chain substituent plays a vital role in its compatibility and subsequent improvement of physical properties in the host polymer.