Mechanical and morphological properties of LDPE/perlite nanocomposite films

Nanocomposite films based on low-density polyethylene containing 2, 4, 6 and 9 wt% nanoperlite were prepared via film blowing method. Nanoperlite was surface treated with polymethylhydrosiloxane, to improve filler dispersion and filler-matrix interface. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the dispersion status of the nanoparticles within the matrix. Various properties of the nanocomposite films containing treated and untreated nanoparticles were studied and the results compared. These included tensile properties, tear resistance, falling dart, oxygen permeability, transparency, surface energy and roughness. SEM results depicted a relatively good dispersion of the nanoparticles within the matrix. Also, an increase up to 210 and 180 % was observed in tear resistance and falling dart properties of the nanocomposite films, compared to the neat films, respectively. The permeability of the nanocomposite films toward oxygen was reduced with increase in nanoperlite.