Effect of incorporation of Halloysite nanotubes on the structure and properties of low-density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch blend

Abstract

The hypothesis that the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) into low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends could lead to materials with mechanical and flow properties close to those of pure LDPE but with improved potential biodegradability, was investigated. A 50 wt.%/50 wt.% LDPE/TPS blend was prepared via extrusion and injection molding, by using different HNT contents up to 8 wt.%. The obtained nanocomposite structure and properties was investigated. The SEM images and EDS analyses indicated that the HNTs were preferentially located within the starch-rich phases of the blend. Moreover, the addition of 8 wt.% HNTs to the LDPE/TPS blend promoted a pronounced enhancement in mechanical properties with respect to those of the original blend, leading to properties resembling those of pure LDPE. The results suggest that nanocomposites can be interesting candidates for the replacement of LDPE in applications in which the biodegradability of the proposed blend can reduce the environmental impact of traditional LDPE short-life products.