Evaluation of PE/POE/PA6 blends containing silica and clay toward nano composite packaging film

Abstract

In the present study, we investigate PE/POE/PA6 blends containing nano silica and clay, which is one of the most important synthetic polymers utilized in food packaging industry. Nanocomposite films including C0S0, C1S0.75, and C2S0.75 (C and S denoting nanoclay and nanosilica, respectively) were prepared via melt mixing method. Then, structural, mechanical, thermal, and morphological traits of the prepared films were evaluated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results for parameters including strain and energy in the tensile test, elasticity modulus, and work in penetration test were significant at 0.05% probability. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that polymer mixing resulted in the removal of 2.5–3 pick and the tendency of 3.5–4.5 and 6.5–7.5 picks appear at lower angles, suggesting the layers openness and partly sheet structure of the nanoparticles. According to SEM micrographs, soil nanoparticle distribution is almost suitable and there is no accumulation at various fracture surface areas. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) presented a relatively good thermos ability. The results of the Differential scanning calorimetry test in the nanocomposite packaging films showed that enthalpy (ΔHm and ΔHc) and crystallinity percentage in all nanocomposites with PA6 and LDPE polymeric components from C0S0, C1S0.75, and C2S0.75 nanocomposite films had a decreasing trend. Therefore, physical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of PE/POE/PA6 blends containing Nano silica and clay were improved and increasing storage life, which are important in economic, marketability, and exporting terms.