A mathematical method for XRD pattern interpretation in clay containing nano composites

Highlights: • We have used a novel distribution formula for interpretation of XRD patterns. • Rheological measurements were used to confirm the results. • Increasing clay in all the prepared nanocomposites, exhibited a significant improvement in filler-matrix interaction because of increasing the probability of polymer diffusion but further exfoliation need more compatibilizing situations. - Abstract: X-ray diffraction and rheological measurements were used to characterize nanoparticle dispersion in LDPE/LLDPE/nanoclay hybrid nanocomposites. XRD patterns were interpreted with a novel distribution formula and rheological measurements were used to confirm the results. Results of these two methods indicated that increasing clay in all the prepared nanocomposites exhibited a significant improvement in filler-matrix interaction because of increasing the probability of polymer diffusion but further exfoliation need more compatibilizing situations. It seems that this mathematical method could be used for predicting the overall change in clay gallery d-spacing and the extent of intercalation–exfoliation of nanoclay in these systems