Synergistic Effect of 30 B and 15 A Organoclays and Compatibilizer on Improved Barrier Properties of HDPE/PA6 Composites: Preparation and Characterization

Abstract

Rigid containers constructed from high density polyethylene (HDPE) have high permeability toward hydrocarbons and organic molecules. This problem causes loss of fuel from gasoline tank of automobiles. Polyamide 6, organoclays (Oclays) and compatibilizer (Cp) are effective components for increasing of barrier properties of polyethylene. Three-component nanocomposites composed of HDPE/HDPE-g-MAH/ PA6/Oclay were produced via twin-screw co-rotating extruder melt mixing method. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses showed the exfoliation of nanoparticles in the nanocomposites. Oclays and Cp increased melt viscosity and also modulus, and tensile strength (TS). Oclays and Cps caused a heightening effect on the barrier properties of samples. Among Oclays, the 15A showed better performance in properties compared to 30B Oclay due to the lower polarity of 15A compared to 30 B and its greater compatibility with the polymer matrix.