Evaluation of using poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/organoclays nanocomposites in blown film production.

Abstract

Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/organoclay (EVA/OC) systems were prepared by melt mixing in a twin-screw extruder. The potential application of the nanocomposites in the production of blow molding films was analyzed by mechanical, thermal, morphological, X-ray diffraction, water vapor permeability and rheological properties. A modified organoclay (OC) with a non-ionic surfactant, free of ammonium salt (Vulgel-AM), and an organoclay modified with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (Vulgel-CT) were added in EVA matrix (1.5 wt%). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that EVA/Vulgel-AM presented a partially exfoliated morphology. The EVA/Vulgel-AM when compared to EVA/Vulgel-CT system presented higher toughness property, higher thermal stability, a more pronounced water vapor barrier behavior and appropriate balance of viscoelastic in rheological properties. Finally, the results of the analysis performed in this study it is signaled that EVA/Vulgel-AM is a more viable and interesting candidate to produce a stable blow film when compared to EVA/Vulgel-CT.