In this work was studied the permeation of CO2in films of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and organoclay modified with polyvinylalcohol (MMTHDTMA/PVA) obtained from melt blending. Permeation study showed that the incorporation of the modified organoclay generates a significant effect on the barrier properties of HDPE. When a load of 2 wt% ofMMTHDTMA/PVAwas incorporated in the polymer matrix, the flow of CO2decreased 43.7% compared to pure polyethylene. The results of TEM showed that clay layers were dispersed in the polymeric matrix, obtaining an exfoliated-structure nanocomposite. The thermal stability of nanocomposite was significantly enhanced with respect to the pristine HDPE. DSC results showed that the crystallinity was maintained as the pure polymeric matrix. Consequently, the decrease of permeability was attributable only to the effect of tortuosity generated by the dispersion ofMMTHDTMA/PVA. Notably the mechanical properties remain equal to those of pure polyethylene, but with an increase in barrier properties to CO2. This procedure allows obtaining nanocomposites of HDPE with a good barrier property to CO2which would make it competitive in the use of packaging.
Nanocomposites of HDPE matrix and 3 wt % organoclay/PA6 discontinuous phase were prepared in a mixer chamber. These nanocomposites of organoclay, PA6, and HDPE were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Barrier properties were determined by cyclohexane pervaporation and solubility. The results show that the degree of exfoliation and/or intercalation and the barrier properties depend on a combination of the proper chemical treatment and optimized processing in these polyethylene-organoclays nanocomposites.
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