Abstract
A range of nanocomposites containing polyethylene and montmorillonite (MMT) clay was prepared using different procedures, such that the extent of MMT dispersion varied. The interactions that occur were then studied, together with the effect of MMT dispersion on structure and short-term dielectric breakdown. When the MMT is poorly dispersed, the AC ramp breakdown strength is reduced. When the MMT is well dispersed, quenched samples with and without MMT appear to behave in an equivalent manner. However, while isothermal crystallization at 117 °C results in a significant increase in performance in the absence of MMT, no equivalent change was seen when the MMT was present. The crystallization behaviour of the polyethylene indicates that while well-dispersed MMT serves to enhance nucleation, it can also serve to inhibit crystallization. These results suggest that short-range thermodynamic interactions occur between the clay platelets and the polymer during the initial crystallization phase. The interaction zone can, however, be thought to extent throughout the material.
