Preparation of polyethylene/Siloxene nanocomposites through siloxene-MgCl supported Ziegler-Natta catalyst

The two-dimensional (2D) inorganic fillers could significantly improve the properties of polyolefin, thereby satisfying a wider range of applications. Herein, in this research, high-performance polyethylene (PE)/siloxene nanocomposites were prepared through an in-situ polymerization with layered siloxene-supported Ti-based catalyst. The catalytic ethylene polymerization activity of the siloxene-supported Ziegler-Natta catalyst was almost twice that of the MgCl₂/TiCl₄ catalyst when equal weights of catalysts were used. During the in-situ polymerization, the layered siloxene fillers exhibited uniform dispersion within the PE matrix. The incorporation of a minimal amount of siloxene filler resulted in a notable enhancement in the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PE. The breaking strength, modulus, elongation at break, and T_d5% of PE/siloxene nanocomposites with only 0.71 wt% siloxene were increased by 115.7%, 45.6%, 50.6%, and 58.2°C, respectively. Therefore, this research presents a straightforward method for manufacturing PE with outstanding performance. Highlights: PE/siloxene nanocomposites were prepared through in-situ polymerization. Siloxene is uniformly scattered in the PE matrix. The siloxene and matrix exhibit excellent interfacial adhesion. PE/siloxene nanocomposites with excellent properties were obtained.