Magnesium hydroxide modified by 1-n-tetradecyl-3-carboxymethyl imidazolium chloride and its effects on the properties of LLDPE

In this study, Mg(OH)2 (MH) was first modified by 1-n-tetradecyl-3-carboxymethyl imidazolium chloride ([C14cim]Cl), an imidazolium ionic liquid, and then the modified MH ([C14cim]Cl-MH) was incorporated into linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) by melt-mixing to obtain the LLDPE/[C14cim]Cl-MH composites. The interaction between [C14cim]Cl and MH was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The thermal decompostion behaviors of the LLDPE/[C14cim]Cl-MH composites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The flame retardance, tensile and Izod Impact properties of the LLDPE/[C14cim]Cl-MH composites were tested. For comparison, the LLDPE/MH composites and LLDPE/SA-MH composites (SA-MH is stearic acid) were prepared and their properties were studied in the same way. It was found that [C14cim]Cl interacted with MH via chemical bonding, and served as an efficient lubricant and compatibilizer for MH and LLDPE, leading to great improvements of processability and mechanical properties of the LLDPE/[C14cim]Cl-MH composites. The LLDPE/[C14cim]Cl-MH composites also showed a remarkably promoted char formation and effectively eliminated melt drips, thus endowing the composites with sufficiently high flame retardancy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers