Mechanical and barrier properties of LLDPE/TPS/OMMT packaging film in the presence of POE-g-IA or POE-g-MA

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of two functionalized polyethylene-1-octene elastomers (POEs), POE grafted itaconic acid (POE-g-IA) and POE grafted maleic anhydride (POE-g-MA), on mechanical and barrier properties of a novel nanocomposite. The composition was prepared from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), thermoplastic starch (TPS), and organo-modified clay using the melt blending method. Characterization of the functionalized POEs and nanocomposites was performed using attenuated total reflection- Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), mechanical, and barrier analysis. The ATR-FTIR spectrums confirmed the grafting of POE with itaconic acid and maleic anhydride. It was observed that the adding of compatibilizers have different effects on morphological, mechanical, and barrier properties of the nanocomposite. The d-spacing of the clay platelets was increased by 20 % and 15 % with POE-g-IA and POE-g-MA incorporation, respectively. The functionalized POEs improved the interfacial adhesion between starch and LLDPE. However, POE-g-IA showed better performance compared to POE-g-MA. Better dispersion of clay particles with POE-g-IA and profitable interaction of starch and LLDPE matrix improves mechanical properties. Besides, the oxygen gas permeability and diffusion coefficient from POE-g-IA contained nanocomposite decreased by 14 % and 22 %, respectively, compared with the other functionalized POE, due to the better dispersion of nanoclay.