Investigation of the Gas Barrier Properties of PP/Clay Nanocomposite Films with EVA as a Compatibiliser Prepared by the Melt Intercalation Method

In this research, polypropylene (PP) nanocomposite films were prepared by melt intercalation method and their properties have been evaluated. To facilitate the formation of either intercalated or exfoliated nanocomposites, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) was used as a compatibiliser. Morphology of composites was determined by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and TEM analyses confirmed that increasing of EVA content leads to achievement of intercalated nanocomposites. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement indicated a decrease in crystallinity, melting point and crystallization temperature. Also, permeability tests showed that gas barrier properties of PP/EVA nanocomposite films against oxygen can be significantly improved by increasing of organoclay content even at low concentration. Tension test showed that organoclay exhibits a considerable increase in Young's modulus and stress at break of nanocomposite films.