Nanocomposites of polyethylene and ternary (Mg + Zn/Al) layered double hydroxide modified with an organic UV absorber

In this research work, ternary (Mg + Zn:Al; M2+:M3+ = 2:1) layered double hydroxides (LDH) intercalated with nitrate and p-aminobenzoate anions were synthesized through the co­precipitation method at constant alkaline pH. These materials were characterized by several instrumental techniques and used as functional fillers in low-density polyethylene (LDPE), obtaining homogeneous nanocomposites by means of injection molding. In the samples prepared with percentages of 0.5, 2, 4, 6 and 10% by weight in relation to LDPE, maintenance or slight improvement of the mechanical properties was observed for all samples. In the LDPE nanocomposites the UV absorption showed to be higher than neat polyethylene. Weathering experiments performed with the neat LDPE and LDPE nanocomposites containing 5% of maleic anhydride and 5% of LDH intercalated with p­aminobenzoate demonstrated a decrease of oxidation product generated due to ultraviolet radiation absorption because the organic intercalated specie, indicating that the ternary LDH is a potential filler to protect polymers from UV radiation degradation.