The effect of organo-modified montmorillonite on mechanical and barrier properties of linear low-density polyethylene/low-density polyethylene blend films

Abstract

In this study, the effect of organo-modified montmorillonite on mechanical and gas barrier properties of nanocomposite films of linear low-density polyethylene/low-density polyethylene blends was investigated. Two different compatibilizers, polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride and polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride, were used to obtain a better dispersion of the nanoclay in the blends. The blend samples containing various amounts of the clay were melt compounded and then blown to films. Mechanical properties of the films were studied in machine and transverse directions. A constant volume-variable pressure method was used to determine the gas permeability of the films. Addition of the 4 parts per hundred nanoclay improved the tensile modulus in machine direction by about 59% and that in transverse direction by about 100%. It further reduced the oxygen permeability by about 38%.