Investigation of Oxygen Barrier Properties of Organoclay/HDPE/EVA Nanocomposite Films Prepared Using a Two-Step Solution Method

In this article, oxygen barrier properties of nanocomposite films composed of organoclay (OC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer have been investigated. The nanocomposite films whose EVA forms a dominant fraction were prepared using the solution method. The dispersion of the OC in the HDPE/EVA blend was improved through taking two-step procedure in the preparation of nanocomposite. First, the OC and EVA were dissolved in chloroform. Then, the resulting product, after evaporating most of the solvent, along with HDPE was dissolved in xylene. The obtained nanocomposite films underwent a number of tests in order to examine their barrier properties including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that OC/HDPE/EVA nanocomposites are intercalated and partially exfoliated. Furthermore, from the TEM micrographs, the organoclay experimental aspect ratio was found. Also, the 02 permeability through the films was evaluated, which showed that adding both OC and HDPE to EVA leads to a remarkable increase in the barrier properties of EVA films. Finally, by using the gas permeation results and existing permeation theories, the organoclay theoretical aspect ratio was predicted. POLYM. COMPOS., 30:812-819, 2009. (C) 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers