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Modification of Montmorillonite by Cation Exchange and Silane Grafting
Reactions for Polymer Nanocomposites
Hani Masitah Binti Mad Jin
Supervisor: Dr. Mohd Aidil Addha Bin Abdullah
Bachelor of Science (Chemical Sciences)
School Of Fundamental Science
Surface modification of MMT by physical and chemical reactions to alter the properties
of naturally hydrophilic into organophilic clay. Na-montmorillonite (Na-MMT) was firstly
prepared by cation exchange reaction between sodium ion in the interlayer of MMT
with protonated octadecylamine (ODA) before it was modified by silanization process
using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) to form organoclay (OMMT). The
OMMT was then characterized by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy, X-ray
diffraction, Thermogravimetric and CHNS elemental analysis. The insertion of ODA and
grafting APTMS resulted in expansion of interlayer spacing of MMT, as well as lower
the water content indicates successful organophilization of MMT. Finally, OMMT was
applied as nanofiller for Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) composites using melt
intercalation technique. The effect of OMMT on tensile and thermal properties of
composites were evaluated.
413 | U M T U N D E R G R A D U A T E R E S E A R C H D A Y 2018