Evaluation of the protective PE foils properties after exposure in various environments

Abstract

The subject of the research is testing of the polyethylene foils (PE) degradation exposed in various environments. The foils serve to protect transporting flasks and containers for the possible periodic repeated application. The experimental foils were exposed in three various aggressive environments (Coca-Cola, chloride cleaner and detergent) with different pH values. The time of exposure was 3 and 6 months. To study the changes of the PE foils properties, the rheological and tensile strength measurements were performed, as well as the microscopy of the surface. By the rheological measurements the changes of viscoelastic properties were determined. The rheological parameters (e.g. modulus of elasticity and viscosity, complex viscosity) react to the structural changes in the PE foils. The strength properties are also affected by the experimental environment. In this case the strength parameters were different in longitudinal and transversal directions.