摘要

Nanocomposite films for covering applications were developed. Mechanical, radiometric and ultraviolet stability properties of the films were characterized. Nanocomposites were obtained by incorporating nanoadditives to a thermoplastic polymer matrix by melt-mixing in a corotating twin screw extruder. Three common polymers in cover applications were used as matrix: low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene and ethylene-butyl acrylate. Three different nanoparticles were used as fillers (2 wt%): titanium dioxide (rutile), silicon oxide and zinc oxide. All nanocomposites were processed in a blown film extrusion line, producing 200 mu m thick films. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films were found to be slightly different than those of the neat films, whereby the optical and radiothermal properties changed dramatically. Titania nanocomposite containing films had high ultraviolet shielding, however, significantly reduced transparency. Zinc oxide introduced high ultraviolet-shielding capability preserving transparency. High infrared efficiency has been found in silica nanocomposite films, exhibiting efficiency values greater than 79%, and an increment greater than 100% for linear low-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene nanocomposite films. The extent of ultraviolet degradation of the films was determined by elongation at break tests. Zinc oxide/low-density polyethylene film underwent less degradation than neat low-density polyethylene film after photoaging. Thus, zinc oxide-filled polymer nanocomposite films are suitable for transparent ultraviolet-shielding applications and present low degradation rates. Silica incorporation highly improves polyethylene infrared efficiency, rendering a low-cost high-thermicity transparent film.

  • 出版日期2012-10