Surface Modification of Nanoclays by Plasma Polymerization of Ethylene

Abstract

Abstract Sodium nanoclay was modified by plasma polymerization using ethylene gas. Due to the complexity of its lamellar morphology that prevents ethylene from entering into the clay galleries, a new two‐step strategy was employed. This method proved to be effective in overcoming the limited accessibility by first exposing the nanoclay to ethylene under a pressure of 0.14 MPa (1.4 kg · cm −2 ), followed by the ethylene plasma polymerization while within the clay galleries. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)spectroscopy, dispersion tests in water, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectronic spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and high‐annular angle dark field (HAADF) were used to characterize the modified nanoclay. XRD analysis indicated that the nanoclays layers were intercalated with polyethylene. Dispersion tests in water confirmed the nanoclays change from hydrophilic to organophilic. New chemical bondings (C–Si, C–O–Al, C–O, and C=O) were found by XPS. The presence of plasma polymer on the surface and inside the nanoclays galleries was corroborated by HRTEM. magnified image