engleski

Development of low density polyethylene nanocomposites films for packaging

Requirements for adequate permeability of polymeric materials to gases and vapours, good barrier and mechanical properties of polymers have boosted interest in developing new strategies to improve these properties. Research and development in polymeric materials coupled with appropriate filler, matrix-filler interaction and new formulation strategies to develop composites have potential applications in various types of packaging (agricultural produce, dried food, frozen food etc). In this study LDPE composites containing various types of fillers (zeolite TMAZ 7, nanoclay Cloisite 20A and precipitated calcium- carbonate, CaCO3) were prepared using extrusion/injection moulding. The microstructural and morphological changes as well as mechanical features of samples were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and by tensile tests. The thermal degradation of LDPE composites was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Barrier properties (permeability, the diffusion and the solubility constant) in modified LDPE samples were determined. It is found that used minor clay concentration is already very effective for achievement of good morphology. In the presence of nanoparticles, at lower content, the value of oxygen permeability of LDPE decreases. Also, the results have revealed that the samples containing fillers have increased thermal stability in comparison pure LDPE.

low density polyethylene; nanocomposite; thermal properties; mechanical properties; barrier properties; filler

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