Abstract

In this work, nano ZnO was introduced into low density poly ethylene (LDPE) composites films with various contents (0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 wt%) by melt-extrusion. Their basic properties such as crystallinity, chemical bonds and surface morphology were examined by XRD, FTIR and SEM. XRD patterns and FTIR peaks intensity were increased in proportion to the ZnO contents. SEM images showed well dispersed nano ZnO in LDPE composite films. Antimicrobial functionality of LDPE-nano ZnO composite films was also studied and the presence of nano ZnO resulted in significant improvement of antimicrobial functionality compared to the pure LDPE film. To evaluate influence of nano ZnO on LDPE properties required as packaging material, thermal, mechanical, gas barrier and optical properties of LDPE-nano ZnO composite films were characterized with various analytical techniques including TGA, UTM, OTR, WVTR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. As a result, except optical and mechanical properties of LDPE, no significant effects were found in other properties. Opacity of pure LDPE was greatly increased with increasing concentration of nano ZnO and tensile strength was also improved at 0.5wt% ZnO content.

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