Characterization and radiation modification of low density polyethylene/polystyrene/maleic anhydride/magnesium hydroxide blend nanocomposite

Abstract

Preparation of Low density polyethylene/polystyrene/maleic anhydride/nano Magnesium hydroxide LDPE/PS/MA/Mg(OH)2 blend nanocomposite was carried out. The Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles were investigated by XRD and TEM. The effects of different contents of polystyrene, maleic anhydride and nano magnesium hydroxide on the properties of the prepared blends and blend nanocomposite were investigated. From the mechanical properties the LDPE/PS/MA/Mg(OH)2 blend nanocomposite with composition 70/30/10/5 wt % has higher tensile strength compared with pure LDPE. PS and other blend films. Since polymers used in the biomedical and packaging sectors exposed to ionizing radiation such as gamma rays for sterilization purposes, therefore the selected LDPE/PS/MA/Mg(OH)2 blend nanocomposite films subjected to gamma irradiation at doses 0 up to 40 kGy. The FTIR, TGA analyses and the mechanical properties were used for monitoring changes in properties evaluated by radiation. The selected LDPE/PS/MA/Mg(OH)2 blend nanocomposite films characterized by high chemical, thermal and stable structure against gamma irradiation up to 35 kGy than ordinary LDPE film. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) show that the selected irradiated blend nanocomposite has higher LOI value compared to original PS and nonirradiated blend nanocomposite films. The Field emission- SEM show the accumulation of the nano Mg(OH)2 on the surface of selected LDPE/PS/MA/Mg(OH)2 blend nanocomposite film then reduces to average particle size 153.5 nm by effect of gamma irradiation. The presence of Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles did not alter the mechanical properties of the selected prepared LDPE/PS/MA/MgOH2 blend nanocomposite film, also it increase thermal stability and enhance fire retardency which is better than traditional additives.