A Study of Barrier Properties of LDPE Nanocomposite Films under Extreme Environmental Conditions

Abstract

Pure and nanoclay montmorillonite layered silicates, MLS) embedded within low density polyethylene (LDPE) composite films were tested under extreme environmental conditions (i.e. conditioned air of varying temperature-relative humidity combinations: 10oC and 90% RH, 40oC and 20% RH, and 40oC and 90% RH) to determine the effects of nanoclay expansion on water vapor barrier properties. Results from Differential Scanning Calorimetery (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) confirmed that the presence of nanoparticles (MLS) within LDPE films increased the thermal quality and stability of the films. A 19 day moisture stability study using nine salt solutions that range between 11.3% to 93.6% relative humidity indicated that the presence of nanoclay particles (MLS) and relative humidity did not negatively impact the hygroscopic (water vapor) barrier properties of the films.