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Development of low density polyethylene nanocomposites films for packaging

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Abstract

Requirements for adequate permeability of polymeric materials to gases and vapors, good barrier and mechanical properties of polymers have boosted interest in developing new strategies to improve these properties. Research and development in polymeric materials coupled with appropriate filler, matrix-filler interaction and new formulation strategies to develop composites have potential applications in various types of packaging (agricultural produce, dried food, frozen food etc.). In this study, LDPE composites containing various types of fillers (zeolite TMAZ 7, nanoclay Cloisite 20A and precipitated calcium carbonate, CaCO3) were prepared using extrusion/injection molding. The microstructural and morphological changes as well as mechanical features of samples were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy and by tensile tests. The thermal degradation of LDPE composites was studied using thermogravimetric analysis. Barrier properties (permeability, the diffusion and the solubility constant) in modified LDPE samples were determined. It is found that used minor clay concentration is already very effective for achievement of good morphology. In the presence of nanoparticles, at lower content, the value of oxygen permeability of LDPE decreases. Also, the results have revealed that the samples containing fillers have increased thermal stability in comparison to pure LDPE.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Chemical Engineering of Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, P.O. Box 177, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

    Anita Ptiček Siročić, Ljerka Kratofil Krehula & Zlata Hrnjak-Murgić

  2. PIK Vrbovec, Zagrebačka 148, 10340, Vrbovec, Croatia

    Ana Rešček

  3. Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

    Mario Ščetar

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  1. Anita Ptiček Siročić
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  2. Ana Rešček
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  4. Ljerka Kratofil Krehula
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  5. Zlata Hrnjak-Murgić
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Correspondence to Zlata Hrnjak-Murgić.

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Siročić, A.P., Rešček, A., Ščetar, M. et al. Development of low density polyethylene nanocomposites films for packaging. Polym. Bull. 71, 705–717 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-013-1087-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-013-1087-9

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