Double Screw Extruder Research Articles

Filamen printer 3D berbasis limbah PET (polyethylene terephthalate) dan kitosan cangkang udang

One alternative for processing PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic waste is to convert it into a basic material for making 3D printer filaments with the addition of shrimp shell chitosan. The addition of shrimp shell chitosan to the filament can increase its mechanical strength. The aim of this research is to determine the best formulation and effectiveness of the combination of PET plastic with chitosan as 3D printer filament on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the surface. Making 3D printer filament from a combination of PET and shrimp shell chitosan using a double screw extruder with varying ratios between PET and shrimp shell chitosan (99 : 1, 97.5 : 2.5 and 95 : 5) with temperature variations at 175° C (Hopper Zone ), 195°C, 225°C, 245°C (Die zone) using a screw rotation speed of 50 rpm, with the testing process including a tensile test, to determine the mechanical properties of the material by analysis using the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) test ) to identify the surface morphology and size of the filament material. The test results for composition 99:1 (sample 1) had the lowest tensile strength value of 35.79 MPa, breaking 0.10 mm with an elongation value of 0.32%. Composition 97.5:2.5 (sample 2) with a tensile strength value of 96.20 Mpa, longest breaking length of 0.13 mm and highest elongation value of 0.42%. Composition 95:5 (sample 3) only has the highest tensile value of 98.95 MPa, with a breaking length of 0.06 mm and the lowest elongation of 0.18%.

Biodegradable composites made from maize flour filled with olive husk fibers

The development of biomaterials based on maize flour reinforced with natural fiber was studied with the aim of replacing conventional polymers of petrochemical origin and to simplify assimilated rubbish managing strategies, which reduces the pollution of the environment. In this study, several composites based on plasticized maize flour (PMF) reinforced by the olive husk flour (OHF) in a range from 10% to 40% (wt.%) have been produced with double screw extruder. 15% (wt.%) of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and graft polyethylene combined with maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) bonding substance at 5 (wt.%) were added to obtain high mechanical characteristics and improve blend compatibility. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed that the fibers were well dispersed in matrix. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed an increase in the absorption bands characteristic of hydroxyl groups and the anhydroglucose ring O-C stretch by raising OHF amount in composites. Thermal stabilization and density of composites increase with the percentage of fiber. For fiber weights of 10 and 40 (wt.%), the tensile strength increased as of 8.4 to 16.4 MPa and the Young modulus as of 70 to 245%, respectively. The biodegradability of samples was tested by burying them in the soil for 90 days. The weight loss test showed that the biodegradability accelerated with the increase in OHF quantity in the PMF. The latter finding was confirmed by FTIR analysis and deteriorated surface of samples examined by SEM analysis.

Utilization of waste cooking oil as a substitute for plasticizers in the production of carrageenan/cornstarch bioplastic

In the current investigation, to develop a carrageenan/cornstarch bioplastic production technique suitable for commercial-scale production, an alternative method to the commonly used solvent-casting technique was implemented through a hot-melt extrusion process. Moreover, to enhance the water resistance of the bioplastic and reduce production costs, waste cooking oil (WCO) was used as a substitute for glycerol plasticizer. Various weight ratios of WCO to glycerol (w/w) were used in formulations. All the material ingredients were compounded using a double-screw extruder at 115°C. Subsequently, the resulting extrudate was then cut into resin pellets, followed by hot compression to produce bioplastic film samples. The film samples underwent testing for mechanical properties, water resistance, biodegradability, chemical structure and morphology. The overall results showed that the addition of WCO improved the tensile properties and water resistance and accelerated biodegradation. These findings were attributed to the presence of ester groups in the polymer structure, the intrinsic hydrophobic nature of WCO and the formation of voids within the film structure, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Based on the findings, the utilization of WCO in carrageenan/cornstarch-based bioplastic production offers potential advantages for commercial applications.

Enhancing the Tribo-Mechanical Performance of LDPE Nanocomposites Utilizing Low Loading Fraction Al2O3/SiC Hybrid Nanostructured Oxide Fillers

This research work highlights the tribomechanical investigations of using a low loading fraction of two ceramics combinations, Alumina (Al2O3) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) as reinforcement for Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE) matrix. The hybrid additives with different weight percentages (0.1 + 0.1, 0.25 + 0.25 and 0.5 + 0.5 wt%) were mixed with LDPE matrix and the degree of homogeneity was controlled using double-screw extruder prior to fabricating the composite samples via the injection molding machine. The nanoparticles fillers were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), EDX and particle size analyzer to check its morphology, composition and size distribution. Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and melting flow index (MFI) were performed for the fabricated nanocomposites samples. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite were evaluated by performing tensile test, bending test and Shore-D hardness test, while the tribological performance was investigated using a ball on desk apparatus under different applied loads and sliding times. Moreover, in order to confirm the load-carrying capability of the composite, contact stresses was measured via finite element model using ANSYS software. The results show that the incorporation of low fraction hybrid ceramic nanoparticles can contributed positively in the tribological and mechanical properties. Based on the experimental results, the maximum improvement in the tensile strength was 5.38%, and 8.15% for hardness LDPE with 0.5 Al2O3 and 0.5 SiC, while the lowest coefficient of friction was noticed under normal load of 10 N, which was approximately 12.5% for the same composition. The novel approach of incorporating low fraction hybrid ceramic nanoparticles as reinforcement for LDPE matrix is investigated, highlighting their positive contributions to the tribological and mechanical properties of the resulting nanocomposites.

Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Reprocessed Polylactide/Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposites for Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer that can replace petroleum-based polymers and is widely used in material extrusion additive manufacturing (AM). The reprocessing of PLA leads to a downcycling of its properties, so strategies are being sought to counteract this effect, such as blending with virgin material or creating nanocomposites. Thus, two sets of nanocomposites based respectively on virgin PLA and a blend of PLA and reprocessed PLA (rPLA) with the addition of 0, 3, and 7 wt% of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) were created via a double screw extruder system. All blends were used for material extrusion for 3D printing directly from pellets without difficulty. Scanning electron micrographs of fractured samples' surfaces indicate that the nanoparticles gathered in agglomerations in some blends, which were well dispersed in the polymer matrix. The thermal stability and degree of crystallinity for every set of nanocomposites have a rising tendency with increasing nanoparticle concentration. The glass transition and melting temperatures of PLA/TiO2 and PLA/rPLA/TiO2 do not differ much. Tensile testing showed that although reprocessed material implies a detriment to the mechanical properties, in the specimens with 7% nano-TiO2, this effect is counteracted, reaching values like those of virgin PLA.

Effect of addition of triallyl isocyanurate and post‐ultraviolet irradiation on the selected properties of composites of poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate) and nano‐sized calcium carbonate

AbstractComposites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and nano‐sized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), glycidyl methacrylate and benzophenone (BP) were prepared by using a double screw extruder and blown into films by extrusion blow molding. After exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light at 10, 20, and 40 J/cm2 of irradiation doses, the selected performances of the irradiated films were investigated. UV irradiation increased the tensile performances but had little effect on the thermal behaviors. Scanning electron microscope revealed that UV irradiation enhanced the connection between the two phases of PLA and PBS. The improvement in tensile properties was attributed to the formation of crosslinking during UV irradiation in the presence of TAIC and BP and the enhancement of the interface bonding between the two. However, excessive exposure reduced the elongation at break and fracture energy, attributed to the molecular chain breakage at high doses. On the other hand, the tensile performances improved and the light transmission decreased with increasing the TAIC content up to 2.5 phr after UV exposure at the same irradiation dose. UV irradiation was revealed to be a simple and effective technique to improve the tensile performances of LA/PBS/CaCO3 films with bicontinuous phases.

Effects of tributyrin as plasticizer in poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) on processability, mechanical, and thermal properties

AbstractThe development of biodegradable polymers has been stimulated owing to the inappropriate litter disposing in order to replace conventional polymers with long‐time degradation. As their performance is a challenge to this replacement, the insertion of additives in biodegradable polymers such as poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) consists in an effective way of adjusting their properties. For this reason, it was analyzed the incorporation of tributyrin (TB) in the matrix of PHBV as a plasticizer, so that higher plastic deformation is achieved. Samples of neat PHBV and with plasticizer concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 wt% were prepared by double screw extruder followed by press molding under temperature. Plasticizer exudation test confirmed the presence of TB in the samples of PHBV. Mechanical test showed the highest value of tensile strength and elongation at break for PHBV/5TB, with 23.4 MPa and 2.84%, respectively. It was observed at differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis that the PHBV/5TB resulted in an increase of 3% on crystallinity, a decrease of 3% on melting temperature, and a decrease of 46% and 29% on glass transition temperature by E″ and tan δ curves, respectively, compared with neat PHBV. Thus, PHBV/5TB was determined as the most appropriate composition for enhancing processability and properties of PHBV.

A viable strategy to recycle post-used carbon fiber thermoset composites as a multi-functional filler for PP composites

The correct destination of this post-used of carbon fiber (CF) reinforced epoxy composites, is considered noble since their manufacturing process involves high costs and advanced technologies. This work aimed to study the feasibility of mechanical recycling of CF/epoxy composites for nobler applications, such as non-structural internal components, antistatic packaging, or electronics housings. The CF/epoxy residues (CFRPres.) were collected from parts of the aerospace industry, selected, and ground, followed by granulometric separation. Then, the CFRPres. particles were incorporated as filler and/or partial reinforcement in a polypropylene (PP) matrix to obtain a new thermoplastic composite using double-screw extrusion processing, followed by hot compression molding to obtain standardized specimens. The quality of the composites obtained was evaluated through mechanical tests (tensile test, Izod impact strength, and Shore D hardness), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry), electric (impedance spectroscopy, electromagnetic), and morphological characterization (scanning electron microscopy). The addition of 30 wt% of CFRPres. in the PP matrix increases the electrical conductivity by seven orders of magnitude and exhibits semiconductor behavior, and increases 168% in the elastic modulus. As for the electromagnetic properties, increasing the content of residues in the composites also occurs a substantial increase in the relative permittivity. In addition, the development of composites from the incorporation of residues from the aerospace sector proved viable in applications where the impact strength, rigidity, and hardness are crucial, even for the high content of residues aggregate.

Optimization for the Contrary-Rotating Double-Screw Extrusion of Plastics

A novel computer optimization system for the contrary-rotating double-screw extrusion of plastics was developed in this study. The optimization was based on the process simulation performed with the use of the global contrary-rotating double-screw extrusion software TSEM. The process was optimized using the GASEOTWIN software developed for this purpose using genetic algorithms. Several examples of optimization of the contrary-rotating double screw extrusion process parameters, i.e., the extrusion throughput, and minimize the plastic melt temperature and the plastic melting length.

A combined extrusion, retrogradation, and cross-linking strategy for preparing starch-based straws with desirable mechanical properties

This work developed a novel strategy for producing starch straws with desirable mechanical properties by a combination of extrusion, retrogradation, and sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) cross-linking. The straws were prepared by first extruding starch, glycerin, and water (10:1:1) with a double screw extruder, then retrograding the resulting straws at 4 °C for 6 h, and finally cross-linking the straws. Rapid visco-analyzer profiles showed decreases in the viscosity of milled straws with increases in the cross-linking duration, perhaps reflecting a higher degree of crosslinking. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed evidence of more hydrogen bonds in the straws with a longer cross-linking duration, while thermogravimetric analysis indicated higher thermal stability for the cross-linked straws than for the controls. The straw cross-linked for 3 h showed 1.52 times higher stiffness after soaking in room-temperature water for 30 min (4967.56 g/s), and 1.88 times higher stiffness after soaking in 60 °C hot water for 5 min (5371.89 g/s) than the original straw. STMP cross-linking also improved the starch straw mechanical properties after soaking in common soft drinks. These findings identify a potential new way to produce biodegradable straws with desirable properties from starch, an affordable biomaterial, while also addressing the problem of petroleum-based plastic pollution.

Tensile behavior analysis combined with digital image correlation and mechanical and thermal properties of microfibrillated cellulose fiber/ polylactic acid composites

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) employed as reinforcement of polymeric matrices can increase elastic modulus, stiffness and strength of a composite. In this work, the assessment of the mechanical, thermal properties and tensile tests assisted by digital image correlation (DIC) was performed for curaua fiber MFC-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites as a function of MCF content. First, MFC was incorporated into PLA using a solvent exchange technique and subsequent polymer solubilization to produce master batch composites. Then, more PLA was added to obtain composites with 0.5 and 1.5 wt% MFC by using double screw extrusion and injection molding. As a result, the addition of MFC caused the flexural, tensile, indentation, impact and modulus strengths to increase compared to those of pure PLA. The deformation gradient obtained from DIC verified that the 0.5 wt% MFC/PLA composite presented greater homogeneity in relation to load dispersion, corroborating the higher rigidity, maximum stress, and Poisson's ratio.

Process optimisation on the compressive strength property for the 3D printing of PLA/almond shell composite

In the fused deposition modelling technique, various type of thermoplastic is printed layer by layer. Among those biopolymers, Poly Lactic Acid occupies a massive space due to their excellent biodegradability. The present work concentrates on using almond shell particles as potential reinforcement in making Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) filaments by a filament extrusion process using a double screw extruder. The extruded filaments of 1.75 ± 0.5 mm diameter is used to make PLA/almond shell composite. This study distillates the effective process parameters for the 3D printing of PLA/almond shell composite and its compressive strength were evaluated. Design of Experiments is followed for the optimization process. The experiment was conducted by varying the five factors (infill pattern, infill density, printing orientation, printing temperature, and printing speed) and three levels. L27 orthogonal array is developed for the experimental procedure, and Taguchi optimization technique is employed for the optimization process for obtaining maximum compressive strength for the produced PLA/almond shell composite. The experimental results show that the infill density and printing orientation have a higher impact than the other printing process parameters with respect to the compressive properties. The mathematical models are developed from the optimization results for the compressive strength analysis of the PLA/almond shell composites. Based on the regression analysis results, the proposed mathematical model has an error percentage of 3.70% and has a good fit with the experimental results. Fractured samples clearly show that the higher infill density of PLA/almond shell samples doesn’t undergo premature buckling failure under the compressive loading.

PENINGKATAN SERAT PANGAN LARUT DARI AMPAS TAHU DAN SIFAT FUNGSIONALNYA DENGAN PERLAKUAN FISIK: TINJAUAN LITERATUR

Tofu processing leaves by-product in the form of tofu dregs whose the utilization as food is still limited. Tofu dregs contain higher insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) than the soluble dietary fibre (SDF). SDF components have wider range of health benefits, and they tend to contribute better to food processing. This study aimed to analyse the potential of physical treatment to increase in SDF tofu dregs, examine changes in its functional properties, and determine the potential physical treatment applied in Indonesia based on the SDF profile. Research data from scientific literature namely research journals, master theses, undergraduate theses, and scientific reviews were collected and analyzed descriptively. The results of descriptive analysis of the literature showed that the physical treatments identified were combination of HHP and autoclave, steam explosion, combination of single screw extrusion and alkaline solution, double screw extrusion, BEP double screw extrusion, and autoclaving. Physical treatment on all instruments can increase the SDF content of tofu dregs. The water retention capacity (WRC) and swelling capacity of tofu dregs increased after being treated with combination of HHP and autoclave, double screw extrusion, and BEP double screw extrusion. The oil holding capacity (OHC) increased after being treated with combination of HHP and autoclave, and double screw extrusion, but the WRC and OHC decreased in the steam explosion treatment. The solubility of tofu dregs increased after being given steam explosion and autoclave. Changes in the functional characteristics of tofu dregs expand their potential for use in specific processed foods. Keywords: tofu dregs, physical modification, soluble dietary fiber, food processing

Effect of extrusion on the modification of wheat flour proteins related to celiac disease.

Wheat flour was extruded using a single- and double-screw extruder at 130, 150, and 170°C, respectively, to determine the effect of extrusion on the content and possible modifications of protein in wheat flour. Regarding to proteins, their yield under non-reducing extraction conditions (in SDS only) decreased to one-third after extrusion-but remained constant after extraction under reduced conditions (in SDS + DTT). This phenomenon possibly reflected protein cross-linking through intermolecular disulfide bonds to gluten proteins, especially at high temperature and high screw speed during double-screw extrusion, as suggested by the increased number of free-SH-groups and reduced intensity of low-MW proteins in SDS-PAGE under this extrusion condition. Lysinoalanine was not detected in the extruded gluten fraction, indicating that non-disulfide bonds did not develop under the extrusion conditions. Furthermore, the reducing sugar content also decreased to > 50% only in all double-screw samples, indication Maillard reaction may contribute to protein modification during extrusion to some extent. Eventually, protein modification during extrusion may affect the celiac gluten toxicity of wheat gluten assessed by total gluten content and potential celiac toxicity.

Preparation of Organic Crystal Seed and Its Application in Improving the Functional Period of Biodegradable Agricultural Film

White pollution caused by agricultural films has recently attracted great attention. In some areas, the content of micro plastic in the soil has reached 30 kg/ha. The most effective way to solve this problem is to replace traditional polyethylene agricultural films with degradable agricultural films. The consistency between the degradation rate and the crop growth period has become the biggest obstacle for the wide application of such novel agricultural films. In this paper, crystallinity regulation is used to adjust the functional period of degradable agricultural films. In addition, an organic nucleating agent of polyethylenimine (PEI) is selected by doping it to poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) polymers using a double-screw extruder. The PBAT doped with 1 wt% PEI films revealed a significant increase in mechanical properties, water holding capacity, and crystallinity compared with the pure PBAT film. There was a 31.9% increase in tensile strength, a 30.5% increase in elongation at break, a 29.6% increase in tear resistance, a 30.9% decrease in water vapor permeability, and a 3.1% increase in crystallinity. Furthermore, the induction period of PBAT doped with 1 wt% PEI under photoaging (without soil) was about 160 h longer than PBAT film, and the experienced biodegradation in soil (without light) was 1 week longer than PBAT film. Experimental results exhibited that the change of degradation degree was linearly proportional to the degree of crystallinity. This study proposes a convenient, low-cost, and effective method to adjust the crystallinity and change the degradation rate.

Exploration on Mechanical Behaviours of Hyacinth Fibre Particles Reinforced Polymer Matrix‐Based Hybrid Composites for Electronic Applications

Biocomposites with polylactic acid (PLA), nanosilica parts, and water hyacinth fibres have been developed in this experimental study. By changing the weight percentage of nanosilica particulate matter (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 percent) with PLA and water hyacinth fibres, five composite mates were produced through a double screw extruder and compression moulding machine. According to the ASTM standards, the process to machine, the composite specimens have been adopted from the water jet machining process. The tensile, compression, flexural, impact, hardness, and water absorption tests were performed on the composite specimens to assess various mechanical properties and absorbance behaviour. The test findings reveal the significant improvement in the tensile and flexural properties of the composites. Composites contain 6 percent of the fine nanosilica particles by weight. Concerning adding the growing weight percentage (4 percent) of nanosilica particles to the composites, the water absorption properties of the composites have significantly improved. The tensile strength of 6% nanosilica mixed specimens showed the highest tensile stress rate as 36.93 MPa; the value was nearly 3.5% higher than the 4% nanosilica mixed composite specimens.

Pengembangan Butiran Premiks untuk Fortifikasi Zat Besi dalam Beras

Iron-fortified rice potentially increases iron consumption in order to overcome anemia in Indonesia. Premix kernel can be applied as a fortificant vehicle being formulated into rice. The premix kernel is processed by mixing rice flour and iron source and extruded to yield rice-like extrudate. This research aimed to develop iron premix kernel using a double screw extruder and evaluate the fortificant homogeneity during mixing and stability due to washing as well as overall sensory acceptability of fortified rice. The premix kernel was made by mixing rice flour (1000 g), pyrophosphate ferries (containing 5,000 mg Fe), and GMS (10 g) for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes, added with water (450 mL) and passed into an extruder at 80°C. The dry-mixed for 20 minutes yielded a homogenous premix kernel (6,030±135 mg/kg with RSD of 2.25%). The mixing of premix kernel and Pandanwangi rice (1:100) for 25 minutes using a blade mixer yielded fortified rice with iron content of 39 mg/kg and RSD of 13.56%. The washing process of fortified rice decreased iron content, and the percentage of iron loss was affected by the washing frequency. Raw and cooked fortified rice did not differ organoleptically from those without fortification.
 Keywords: anemia, fortified rice, ferric pyrophospate, homogeneity, premix kernel

Recycled Wood Plastic Composites as Floor Panels for Ship Containers

Within the framework of this study, we aim at the replacement of plywood as ship containers floor material, with a lighter and friendlier-to-rainforests composite material. Wood fibre-reinforced thermoPlastic Composites (WPC) were developed using double-screw extrusion, consisting of recycled waste wood fibres reinforcing recycled High Density PolyEthylene (HDPE) matrix. This shift to WPCs has the dual positive effect of containers freight reduction as well as elimination of the use of natural resources, radically contributing to climate change measures. Following international shipping standards for container flooring, high quality recycled WCPs were developed. HDPE was found to provide acceptable structural performance. To that respect, WPC blends of HDPE matrix reinforced with 30%, 40% and 50%wt wood fibre flour, were fabricated and subjected to 3 point-bending mechanical testing. It was found that the studied WPCs reveal mechanical performance adequate to qualify as replacements of plywood timber flooring in ship containers.

Rheological, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of blends poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate), thermoplastic starch, and cellulose nanoparticles

AbstractThe objective of the present study was the preparation and characterization of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends reinforced with cellulose nanoparticles (CNCs) by extrusion. The work was conducted in four steps. Initially, the CNCs were prepared from eucalyptus cellulose pulp by acid hydrolysis. The second step was the preparation of the nanocomposite (TPS‐CNC), composed of cassava starch, CNC, glycerol, and citric and stearic acids, by double screw extrusion. The third step was the preparation of PBAT/TPS‐CNC blends in twin‐screw extruders. In the fourth step, the films were produced by flat extrusion. Blends exhibited similar rheological behavior, increasing the CNC concentration in blends increased the viscosity as a function of the shear rate, and altered the behavior of the shear storage (G′) and shear loss (G″) curves as a function of the oscillation frequency (ω). The presence of CNC in blend provided improvements significant in mechanical properties, with 120% increase in Young's modulus, and 46% increase in maximum tensile. Thermal behavior (thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry) was altered with the incorporation of the CNC, showing a single melt peak (Tm) and a slight increase in Tg, indicating good dispersion between the phases of the blends, corroborating with the fracture surface microscopy of films.

Polyethylene/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate and Ethylene Octene Copolymer/Clay Nanocomposite Films: Different Processing Conditions and Their Effect on Properties

Polymer nanocomposites based on a layered clay used as nanofiller and copolymers ethylene and vinyl acetate matrix (EVA, the content of vinyl acetate (VA) component 19 wt% and 5 wt%) and ethylene octene copolymer (EOC, 17% and 45% of octene) were prepared. KO Buss kneader and double screw extruder were used. The MMT Na+ and four types of commercial products such as Nanofil N5 and N3000, Cloisite 93A and 30B were used as nanofillers—5 wt% in relation to the content of montmorillonite. The aim was to evaluate the influence of copolymer composition and processing on prepared nanocomposite properties. The morphology of samples was examined by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electronic microscopy TEM. Furthermore, mechanical and especially barrier properties were observed. Despite the fact that the XRD and microscopy results have revealed that complete exfoliation did not take place in any case, mechanical properties as well as the permeability showed that used 5 wt% of clay was enough to achieve the improvement of properties. Cloisite 30B might be the most suitable for the polyethylene/EVA matrix. In case of EOC copolymer the nanofiller Nanofil N3000 and mainly Cloisite 93A seems to be more suitable. The better properties were achieved for the version of EVA with lower VA content and also for EOC 17, but not for each evaluated property. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2514–2521, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers