Oxygen Permeability of Nanocomposite-Based Polyolefin Films

• Published in: Macromolecular symposia. Vol. 368; no. 1; pp. 19 - 23
• Main Authors: Fujiyama-Novak, Jane H., Rufino, Vivianne, Amaral, Rafael A., Habert, A. Claudio, Borges, Cristiano P., Mano, Bárbara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-10-2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Addition polymerization; Barriers; clay platelets; Microcavities; morphology; Nanostructure; Oxygen; oxygen barrier; polyethylene; Polyethylenes; Polyolefins; polypropylene; Polypropylenes; Scanning electron microscopy
• ISSN: 1022-1360; 1521-3900
• DOI: 10.1002/masy.201600001

Summary
Polyethylene and polypropylene are vastly employed for packaging due to their high versatility and low cost. However, their films are permeable at different degree to small molecules like gases and the use of additives improves the barrier properties. Therefore, the aim of this work is to investigate the effect of organically modified montmorillonite on oxygen transport properties of PE and PP films. Nanocomposites were prepared by means of polymer dissolution in organic solvent and subsequent nanoparticle addition at 3, 5 and 10% (w/w). Scanning electron microscopy images of the films indicate the presence of microcavities and some agglomerated nanoclay. On the other hand, X‐rays diffraction analysis shows clay in well‐dispersed state independent of polyolefin type. Enhancement of oxygen barrier is achieved, but this property is dependent on the nanoclay content, polyolefin type and film morphology.