Abstract
Six ratios of nanosilica particles were employed to fabricate low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites using melt mixing and hot molding methods. Several composite films with different ratios (0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt%) of SiO2 were prepared. The obtained composite films were identified and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS). At a specific mixing ratio, far infrared radiation transmittance was prohibited while the ultraviolet-visible transmittance is allowed; this will be explained in detail. Optical measurements show that the composite films prevent the transmission of IR radiation near 9 μm and allow UV-VIS transmission during sun-shining time. The mechanical behaviour of a nanosilica-reinforced LDPE composite was studied using tensile tests. The addition of 1 wt% nanosilica has successfully enhanced the mechanical properties of the LDPE material.
Highlights
Polymeric materials are widely used in food packaging and in greenhouses
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a thermoplastic made from an ethylene monomer with a density of 0.922 g/cm3, was purchased from Saudi Basic
The different nanosilica ratios were mechanically mixed with the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) granules at a processing temperature of 130°C and a speed of 50 rpm for 10 min using the internal mixer (Brabender Plasti-Corder PL-2200, W50, Germany)
Summary
Polymeric materials are widely used in food packaging and in greenhouses. Typical examples of such materials are polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) [1, 2]. Polymer nanocomposites often show excellent mechanical properties compared to the traditional composites at a lower loading of the nanoparticles [4]. A few researches have studied the effects of different nanoparticles on the performances of composite materials such as nanosilica [3]. Silica as a thin film is widely used to improve the surface properties of materials. Silica films are used as barrier layers in polymer packaging materials. Most of the modern packaging materials do not provide an efficient barrier against the permeation of gases. This leads to food and drinks getting rotten quickly. The aim is to achieve a nanocomposite that prevents the transmittance
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