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Effect of extrusion and photo-oxidation on polyethylene/clay nanocomposites

This paper explained challenging problems and the underlying chemistry of polymer-clay reactions, associated with melt processing and long-term durability of polyolefin-clay-nanocomposites (PNCs). This is significant in addressing critical manufacturing issues arising from the adverse effects of using high temperature processes on lifetime performance of PNC-based products, enabling industry to exploit the materials. This work led to a current EU grant (£232,339) and collaboration with nanoclay company, Laviosa Chimica S.P.A. (V Ermini), Univ. of Palermo (N Tz Dintcheva) and Institute of Organometallic Chemistry CNR-ICCOM, Pisa (E Passaglia) to achieve step-change improvements in the manufacture, performance and durability of PNCs.