Title
Film Blowing of Biodegradable Polymer Nanocomposites for Agricultural Applications
Author
Maria Chiara Mistretta, Luigi Botta, Francesco Paolo La Mantia, Antonino Di Fiore, Marco Cascone
Year
2021
Journal
Macro-Molecular Materials and Engineering
Abstract
Films for agricultural applications, such as greenhouses films or mulching films are generally made of polyolefins such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or low-density polyethylene. However, the use of biodegradable and/or compostable polymers is increasing, which enjoy the additional advantage that they can be left on the site since a fine life would be gradually assimilated to the underlying soil. Nevertheless, biodegradable polymeric films often do not have suitable mechanical performances. In this work, biodegradable polymer-based nanocomposite films are prepared by film blowing and compared with traditional LLDPE based nanocomposites. In particular, a biodegradable polymer blend and two different inorganic nanofillers (an organo-modified clay and a calcium carbonate with a hydrophobic coating) are used for the preparation of the nanocomposites. A detailed investigation of obtained materials is performed through rheological, mechanical, and optical characterizations. Adding nanofillers led to an increase of rigidity and tear strength of blown films without negatively affecting their ductility.
Instrument
V-650
Keywords
linear low-density polyethylene, LLDPE, compostable polymers, films