Effects of GO oxidation degree on GO/BuMgCl-supported Ti-based Ziegler–Natta catalyst performance and nanocomposite properties

Abstract

In the present research, three graphene oxide (GO)/n-butyl-magnesium chloride (BuMgCl)-supported Ti-based Ziegler–Natta catalysts were synthesized by the reaction of Grignard reagent with GO at various oxidation degrees, followed by anchoring of TiCl₄. The effects of GO oxidation degree and of the reaction conditions on in situ ethylene polymerization were investigated. The obtained PE/reduced GO (rGO) product was subsequently used as a masterbatch for melt-blending with commercial PE. The resultant PE/rGO nanocomposites, even at low rGO loads, due to the good dispersion and to the good interface adhesion of the graphene sheet and the PE matrix, exhibited significant increase in heat distortion temperature, thermal decomposition temperature, tensile strength and modulus, in addition to acceptable reduction in elongation at break.