Synthesis of polyethylene/exfoliated MoS₂ nanocomposites by: In situ exfoliation polymerization using Ziegler-Natta catalyst intercalated MoS₂

A new synthetic route for polyethylene (PE)/exfoliated MoS₂ (EMoS₂) nanocomposites using novel Ziegler-Natta catalyst intercalated MoS₂ was designed. The catalyst was synthesized by the intercalation of MoS₂ with a Grignard reagent, followed by anchoring of TiCl₄ into the MoS₂ galleries. The intercalated MoS₂ was exfoliated to form PE/EMoS₂ nanocomposites during in situ ethylene polymerization. The resultant PE/EMoS₂ nanocomposites had a layered morphology, and they were well dispersed in the PE matrix. In addition, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PE were significantly enhanced with the introduction of EMoS₂. Thus, this work provides a facile approach to the production of PE/EMoS₂ nanocomposites.