Thermal properties of LDPE/silica nanocomposites

Thermal properties of PE/SiO 2 nanocomposites are investigated in the paper by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Effects of surface treatment of nano-SiO 2 on thermal properties of composites are discussed in detail. The results of TG reveal that thermal stabilities of nanocomposites are improved with addition of nano-SiO 2 after surface treatment. DSC curves show that the crystallinity is deeply influenced by the presence of SiO 2 after surface treatment. The system with higher crystallinity show improved thermal stability. Thermo-oxidative process of PE is delayed by nano-silica after certain surface treatment. PE/SiO 2 with well dispersed SiO 2 possesses better thermal stability and thermo-oxidative properties.