Viscoelasticity of polyethylene/montmorillonite nanocomposite melts

Observations are reported on low-density polyethylene melts reinforced with montmorillonite nanoclay at concentrations of filler ranging from 0 to 10 wt.% in small-amplitude shear oscillatory tests, start-up tests with a constant strain rate, and relaxation tests. Constitutive equations are derived for the time-dependent response of a nanocomposite melt at three-dimensional deformations with finite strains. The model accounts for (i) inhomogeneity in the distribution of nanoparticles, (ii) non-affinity of an equivalent polymer network with sliding junctions, and (iii) evolution of energies of inter-chain interaction driven by orientation of clay platelets. It is demonstrated that the stress-strain relations correctly describe the experimental data and adjustable parameters change consistently with nanoclay content.