This article focuses on the study of both stabilized and unstabilized low-density polyethylene films aged under natural weathering in the middle of Morocco (Sidi Kacem city). The study was undertaken on three samples for each LDPE films: a new sample taken as reference; another exposed to outdoor weathering for one year; and a sample exposed for two years. The natural ageing effects were followed by analysis of the X-ray diffraction (XRD). This technique provides information on the main physical properties and evaluates the internal causes of natural ageing of our samples. The XRD patterns show, in addition to the usual peaks relative to the planes (110), (200) and (020), the emergence of the new region 37-48° including different peaks that clearly start the natural ageing. Thus, the XRD parameters indicate the increase of degree the crystallinity and crystallite size with time exposure for all LLDPE and LDPE samples. However, the results obtained by the X-ray diffraction have been confirmed by observing the morphology of the samples with scanning electron microscopy technology (SEM).
This article focuses on the study of both stabilized and unstabilized low-density polyethylene films aged under natural weathering in the middle of Morocco (Sidi Kacem city). The study was undertaken on three samples for each LDPE films: a new sample taken as reference; another exposed to outdoor weathering for one year; and a sample exposed for two years. The outdoor exposure effects were followed by analysis of the total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). This technique provides information on the main chemical functions and evaluates the internal causes of natural ageing of our samples. The infrared spectra show the formation of hydroperoxides -O-OH, carbonyls >C=O, aliphatic esters R-(CO)-O-R, ether R-O-R, vinyl C=C, vinylidene >C=CH 2 and trans-vinylene RHC=CRH in the amorphous regions. These compounds lead to initiate the mechanism of photo-oxidation of the unstabilized LDPE samples. Therefore, the increase in the formation of oxidation products into the aged samples (LDPEUS) indicates an accelerated degradation of these latter on climatic factors (UV, O2, humidity, rain ...). The UV stabilizer (free radicals scavengers) added to the formulation of LDPE films can delay the attack of the amorphous phase and prevent the formation of compounds that can cause and accelerate photo-oxidation. The results obtained by the infrared have been confirmed by observing the morphology of the samples with scanning electron microscopy technology (SEM).
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.