Preparation and properties of PE/MoS₂ nanocomposites with an exfoliated-MoS₂/MgCl₂-supported Ziegler-Natta catalyst via an in situ polymerization

Here, we report the first example of preparation of polyethylene (PE)/exfoliated-MoS₂ nanocomposites through in-situ Ziegler-Natta polymerization. The exfoliated-MoS₂/MgCl₂-supported Ti-based Ziegler–Natta catalyst was synthesized via a facile coagglomeration method. The effects of MoS₂ on the catalyst morphology and the ethylene polymerization behavior were examined. The resultant PE/MoS₂ nanocomposites had a flake shape morphology, and the MoS₂ fillers were well dispersed throughout the entire PE matrix. In addition, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the PE base material were significantly enhanced by the introduction of a very small amount of the MoS₂ filler (0.08 wt%). Therefore, this work provides a facile method to produce of high-performance PE.