Morphology and tensile properties of crosslinked nanocomposite foams of low‐density polyethylene and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) blends

This paper studies the morphology and tensile properties of nanocomposite foams of blends of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA). Preparations of LDPE/EVA nanocomposites were conducted in an internal mixer, and then samples were foamed via a batch foaming method. Morphology of the nanocomposite blends and nanocomposite foams was studied by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Morphological observations showed that nanoparticle dispersion in the polymeric matrix was affected by the blend ratio in a way such that EVA‐rich samples had a better dispersion of nanoclay than LDPE‐rich ones. In addition, the tensile properties of the nanocomposite foams were related to different variables such as blend ratio, clay content, and foam density. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improving viscoelasticity and rebound resilience of crosslinked low‐density polyethylene foam by blending with ethylene vinyl acetate and polyethylene‐octene elastomer

To obtain high‐rebound resilience of crosslinking low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) foam and decrease the foam density at the same content of foaming agent, the melt viscoelasticity of LDPE with different compositions (ethylene vinyl acetate [EVA], polyethylene‐octene elastomer, and crosslinking agent) was investigated by dynamic rheology test. Then, LDPE/EVA/(polyethylene‐octene elastomer) foams with different composition ratios were produced by a continuous foaming process and investigated by the rebound resilience test. The results show that the melt viscoelasticity behavior of LDPE and its blends in the molten state possessed more melt elasticity behavior after the crosslinking was introduced. Meanwhile, the rebound resilience of LDPE foam was increased 54% at the lower foam density (0.031 g/cm³). It could meet the requirements of sports mats for high‐rebound resilience (>50%) and decrease the material cost when EVA was introduced into the foaming system. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:61–71, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Rheological and mechanical characteristics of low density polyethylene/ethylene‐vinyl acetate/organoclay nanocomposites

Attempts were made to trace the effect of organoclay (OC) on the rheological and mechanical behaviors of the low density polyethylene (LDPE)/ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) blends. To do this effectively, in addition to LDPE/EVA/OC system, pure LDPE and LDPE/EVA blends were also examined as model systems. The rheological behavior was determined by the capillary rheometer. Morphological characterization was also carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and theoretical approach based on interfacial energies. Shear viscosity, tensile strength and elastic modulus of LDPE/EVA were found to decrease by increasing the EVA content, while for LDPE/EVA/OC ternary nanocomposites, such properties showed an increase by increasing the content of EVA. Such behavior was explained by the morphological characteristic of the system in which OC was mainly intercalated/exfoliated in the EVA phase. This morphological characteristic was corroborated by the XRD, TEM and interfacial energies data. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Radiation effects on LDPE/EVA blends

Radiation effects of low‐density polyethylene/ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (LDPE/EVA) blends were discussed. EVA content in the LDPE/EVA blends was an enhancement effect on radiation crosslinking of LDPE/EVA blends, and the highest radiation crosslinking was obtained when the EVA content was reached at 30% when irradiated by γ‐ray in air. The phenomenon was discussed with the compatibility, morphology, and thermal properties of LDPE/EVA blends and found that the enhanced radiation crosslinking of the LDPE/EVA blends was proportional to the good compatibility, the increasing degree of the amorphous region's content of the LDPE/EVA blends, and the vinyl acetate content of EVA. We also found that the vinyl acetate of EVA in the blends is easily oxidized by γ‐ray irradiation in air. The possible radiation crosslinking and degradation mechanism of LDPE/EVA blends was discussed quantitatively with a novel method “step‐analysis” process of irradiated LDPE/EVA blends in the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) technique. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1296–1302, 2002     

Experimental investigation on the abrasive wear behavior of nanoclay‐filled EVA/LDPE composites

The article presents the results of experimental investigation on three‐body abrasive wear behavior of nanoclay‐filled EVA/LDPE (NC‐EVA/LDPE) composites. NC‐EVA/LDPE composites with and without compatibilizer were prepared by Brabender Co‐Twin extruder (Make: CMEI, Model: 16CME, SPL) and poly(ethylene‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) was used as the compatibilizer. The mechanical properties were evaluated using Universal testing machine. In three‐body wear tests, silica sand particles of size 200–250 μm were used as dry and loose abrasives. Three‐body abrasive wear studies were carried out using dry sand/rubber wheel abrasion test rig. The effect of abrading distance on the abrasive wear behavior of neat EVA, EVA/LDPE, and NC‐EVA/LDPE composites was reported. The results showed that the wear volume loss is increased with increase in abrading distance and the specific wear rate decreased with increase in abrading distance. However, the presence of nanoclay filler in EVA/LDPE composite showed a promising trend. Abrasive wear volume of the composites was correlated with mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, and percentage elongation. However, higher weight percentage of LDPE in EVA increased the wear rate. The results indicate that NC‐EVA/LDPE with compatibilizer composite exhibits good abrasive wear resistance compared with NC‐EVA/LDPE without compatibilizer. Attempts to explain these differing trends are made in this work by analyzing the features observed on the worn surface samples by employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of an (Intumescent flame retardant)‐montmorillonite combination on the thermal stability and fire‐retardant properties of LDPE/EVA nanocomposites

The combined effects of an organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) and an intumescent flame retardant, poly (piperazine spirocyclic pentaerythritol bisphosphonate) (PPSPB), in (low‐density polyethylene)/[ethylene‐(vinyl acetate) copolymer] (LDPE/EVA) nanocomposites were observed. The results from X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies showed that exfoliated LDPE/EVA/PPSPB/OMMT nanocomposites were formed. Thermal stability and flammability properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimeter tests. The combination of PPSPB and montmorillonite improved thermal stability and reduced significantly the flammability, including peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release, average mass loss rate, etc. The PHRR of LDPE/EVA/PPSPB/OMMT was reduced by about 50% compared to that of an LDPE/EVA blend. The morphology and composition of the residues generated by cone calorimeter tests were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. The results of SEM showed that a compact and dense intumescent char was formed from the LDPE/EVA/PPSPB/OMMT nanocomposite upon combustion. The results of EDX examination revealed that the carbon content of this char was increased significantly by the combined effect of PPSPB and montmorillonite. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:285–292, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Oxygen permeability and the mechanical and thermal properties of (low‐density polyethylene)/poly (ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/organoclay blown film nanocomposites

Various (low‐density polyethylene)/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (LDPE/EVA) nanocomposites containing organoclay were prepared by one‐ and two‐step procedures through melt blending. The resultant nanocomposites were then processed via the film blowing method. From the morphological point of view, X‐ray diffraction and optical microscopy studies revealed that although a prevalent intercalated morphology was evident in the absence of EVA, a remarkable increase of organoclay interlayer spacing occurred in the EVA‐containing systems. The advantages of the addition of EVA to the LDPE/organoclay nanocomposites were confirmed in terms of oxygen barrier properties. In other words, the oxygen transmission rates of the LDPE/EVA/organoclay systems were significantly lower than that of the LDPE/organoclay sample. The LDPE/EVA/organoclay films had better mechanical properties than their counterparts lacking the EVA, a result which could be attributed to the improvement of the organoclay reinforcement efficiency in the presence of EVA. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis experiments were performed to follow the effects of the EVA and/or organoclay on the thermal properties of LDPE. Finally, the films produced from the two‐step‐procedure compound showed enhanced oxygen barrier properties and mechanical behavior as compared to the properties of the films produced via the one‐step procedure. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:132–139, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation of low‐density polyethylene foams with high rebound resilience by blending with polyethylene–octylene elastomer

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/polyethylene–octylene elastomer (POE) foams with different composition ratios (POE, cross‐linking agent, and blowing agent) were produced by using the continuous cross‐linking and foaming process to improve the rebound resilience of chemical cross‐linked LDPE foams. The effects of POE, cross‐linking agent, and foaming agent on rebound resilience of LDPE/POE foams were investigated by using a rebound test, cross‐linking degree experiment, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Results show that the rebound resilience of LDPE was improved by increasing the flexibility of cell walls and the cell density and decreasing the foam density. Compared with the rebound resilience of pure LDPE (33%), the proposed LDPE/POE foams could meet the requirements of gymnastics mats for high rebound resilience (55%). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2527–2534, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of electron beam irradiation and vinyl acetate content on the physicochemical properties of LDPE/EVA blends

The radiation‐induced crosslinking, compatibility, and surface modification of low density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate blends (LDPE/EVA) were investigated. The structural and physical properties were characterized in terms of gel content, hot set, mechanical properties, contact angle, and surface free energy. The highest crosslink density was obtained at 20 wt % of EVA. Gel content of LDPE/EVA blends was increased with increasing irradiation dose, vinyl acetate (VA), and EVA contents. The hot set results are consistent with the gel content data. Mechanical testing showed that the tensile strength of samples increased with increasing irradiation dose up to 180 kGy, whereas the elongation at break was decreased with increasing irradiation dose. Contact angle measurements showed that the surface hydrophillicity of LDPE blend was increased with increasing irradiation dose and contents of both VA and EVA. The surface free energy was greatly dependent on irradiation dose and content of both VA and EVA. The total surface free energies of different LDPE formulations were in the range 17.25–32.51 mN/m, in which the polar (^pσ) and disperse (^dσ_s) values were within the range 16.52–26.6 and 0.9–5.91 mN/m, respectively. In conclusion, electron beam irradiation and blending LDPE with EVA improved the wettability or adhesion properties of LDPE/EVA blends. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Effect of EVA copolymer on properties of different polyethylenes in silane crosslinking process

Abstract

The effect of molecular structure of polyethylene (PE) [low density PE (LDPE), linear LDPE and high density PE] and silane/peroxide concentration on the grafting level and gel content in silane crosslinking process has been studied. The effect of incorporation of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer on the rate of crosslinking and thermal properties of PEs has been reported. The order of gel content was LDPE>linear LDPE>high density PE. With the incorporation of EVA, the rate of crosslinking increased. The degree of crystallinity did not change with crosslinking significantly. However, the shape of melting and crystallisation peaks changed, and two regions due to gel and sol parts were formed. In EVA/PE blends, two melting points were observed for both crosslinked and uncrosslinked samples. The SEM images showed the droplet matrix morphology with the EVA as the dispersed phase, especially for EVA/LDPE blend. The EVA/PE blends failed in hot set test, while the origin of PEs passed the hot set test successfully.     

Aluminium‐filled low‐density polyethylene—structural,morphological, and mechanical properties

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) was filled with aluminium (Al) powder having concentrations of 1, 4, and 6% w/w. The samples in the form of disc containing the above concentration of Al powder were obtained using hot press molder. The structural properties have been investigated using density measurement and WAXD techniques. The morphology of pure LDPE and Al‐filled LDPE samples has been studied from scanning electron micrographs. The modulus of elasticity of the samples has been determined using Instron tensile tester. Results indicate that the crystallinity of LDPE component increases with the concentration of aluminium filler. Morphological changes also have been observed. The Young's modulus (Y) generally increases and becomes maximum for 4% Al‐filled LDPE sample. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Effect of OMMTs on flame retardancy and thermal stability of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/LDPE/magnesium hydroxide composites

The aim of this study was to prepare poly (ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA)/ low density polyethylene (LDPE)/magnesium hydroxide (MH) composites applicable in cable industry with required flame retardancy. For this reason, two types of organo‐modified montmorillonites (OMMT) with different surface polarites (Cloisite 15A and Cloisite 30B) at various concentrations, and also combination of these two OMMTs with overall loadings of 2 wt % and 5 wt % were used. The samples were compounded using a twin screw extruder with total (MH + OMMT) feeding of 55 wt % and 60 wt %. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the samples containing 2 wt % of OMMTs increased about 16% and dripping was suppressed according to vertical burning test (UL‐94V). Thermogravimetric results of EVA/LDPE/MH samples containing OMMT showed that the beginning of second step degradation was shifted about 50°C to higher temperatures. The composite tensile strength results showed enhancement by incorporating some amount of nanoclays with EVA/LDPE/MH composites. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed that MH particles had better wetting by EVA matrix in presence of nanoclays. Oxidative induction time of the EVA/LDPE/MH/OMMT nanocomposites was 140 min, which was more than that of the samples without OMMT (20 min). Employing the equal weight ratios of the two OMMTs demonstrated a synergistic effect on flame retardancy of the samples according to the both tests results (LOI, UL‐94V). X‐ray diffraction analysis of the samples confirmed the intercalation/semiexfoliation structure of nanosilicate layers in the bulk of EVA/LDPE matrix. This led to longer elongation at break and thermal stability of Cloisite 15A based nanocomposites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40452.     

发泡剂BIH40对PP和LDPE化学发泡性能影响的研究

本文以BIH40作为发泡剂,使用注塑方法化学发泡成型制备了PP、LDPE发泡材料,探讨了发泡剂含量对PP和LDPE发泡制品的密度、拉伸强度、缺口冲击强度等力学性能的影响,并用扫描电子显微镜（SEM）观测了断面的泡孔形貌。实验结果表明,随着发泡剂含量的增加,发泡试样的拉伸强度、冲击强度、断裂伸长率和密度等与未发泡试样相比总体呈现下降趋势,LDPE的断裂伸长率在发泡剂含量为1.0%（重量百分比wt.）时较其他发泡组分有所增加,PP的冲击强度在发泡剂含量为0.5%（重量百分比wt.）时与其他发泡组分相比有所提高。综合实验测试结果显示,发泡剂含量在1.0%（重量百分比wt.）时所得到的发泡制品力学性能较好。     

Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation,EPDM and Azodicarbonamide on the Foam Properties of LDPE Sheet

The effect of electron beam irradiation, EPDM blending, and Azodicarbonamide (ACA) concentration on the foaming properties of LDPE sheet was investigated. The studied properties are foaming degree, cell densities, mechanical properties and thermal decomposition properties. The data showed that the increasing of foaming agent (ACA) concentration reduces the mechanical properties and increases the gel content. Also, electron beam irradiation has a clear effect on increasing the cell density, mechanical properties gel content and thermal properties of irradiated samples when compared with unirradiated samples. EPDM blending with LDPE at a concentration of 20% reduces the doses required to obtain the foaming degree (71.4%) from 50 kGy in LDPE to 5 kGy in LDPE/EPDM (80/20%). This effect may be attributed to enhancement of radiation cross-linking for LDPE by blending with the amorphous polymer (EPDM).     

Thermal and mechanical properties of uncrosslinked and chemically crosslinked polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer blends

Uncrosslinked and chemically crosslinked binary blends of low‐ and high‐density polyethylene (PE), with ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), were prepared by a melt‐mixing process using 0–3 wt % tert‐butyl cumyl peroxide (BCUP). The uncrosslinked blends revealed two distinct unchanged melting peaks corresponding to the individual components of the blends, but with a reduced overall degree of crystallinity. The crosslinking further reduced crystallinity, but enhanced compatibility between EVA and polyethylene, with LDPE being more compatible than HDPE. Blended with 20 wt % EVA, the EVA melting peak was almost disappeared after the addition of BCUP, and only the corresponding PE melting point was observed at a lowered temperature. But blended with 40% EVA, two peaks still existed with a slight shift toward lower temperatures. Changes of mechanical properties with blending ratio, crosslinking, and temperature had been dominated by the extent of crystallinity, crosslinking degree, and morphology of the blend. A good correlation was observed between elongation‐at‐break and morphological properties. The blends with higher level of compatibility showed less deviation from the additive rule of mixtures. The deviation became more pronounced for HDPE/EVA blends in the phase inversion region, while an opposite trend was observed for LDPE/EVA blends with co‐continuous morphology. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3261–3270, 2007     

Microcellular foaming of low‐density polyethylene using nano‐CaCo3 as a nucleating agent

In this study, microcellular foaming of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) using nano‐calcium carbonate (nano‐CaCO₃) were carried out. Nanocomposite samples were prepared in different content in range of 0.5–7 phr nano‐CaCO₃ using a twin screw extruder. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize of LDPE/nano‐CaCO3 nanocomposites. The foaming was carried out by a batch process in compression molding with azodicarbonamide (ADCA) as a chemical blowing agent. The cell structure of the foams was examined with SEM, density and gel content of different samples were measured to compare difference between nanocomposite microcellular foam and microcellular foam without nanomaterials. The results showed that the samples containing 5 phr nano‐CaCO₃ showed microcellular foam with the lowest mean cell diameter 27 μm and largest cell density 8 × 10⁸ cells/cm³ in compared other samples. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Investigation of radiation-crosslinked foam of LDPE/EVA blends

Low-density polyethylene/ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (LDPE/EVA) blend was irradiated by γ-ray and then expanded by heat as a foamed material. The EVA content in the LDPE/EVA blend was benefited to form a gel. The gel fraction values of LDPE/EVA blend with 30% EVA content were higher than those of other blends in a same given dose; its gel fraction value was 1.7 times as those values of the LDPE without EVA. The gel fractions of the LDPE/EVA blend were increased with radiation dose in oxygen, in air, and in nitrogen, and the formation of gel was limited by oxygen. The oxidation products of the foam of the LDPE/EVA blend were observed in nitrogen, in oxygen by Fourier transform IR spectra. The LDPE/EVA blend system has no protection effect from oxidation in comparison with the LDPE system without EVA, which has less oxidation product than those without EVA in a same given gel fraction. The gel fraction of the LDPE/EVA blend around 25–35%, radiation dose 25±5 kGy, irradiated by γ-ray in air or in nitrogen, with higher expansion ratio (19), smaller cell diameter (0.175 mm), lower apparent density (0.042 g/cm³), higher tensile strength (0.40 MPa), and longer elongation at break (290–360%) foam of the LDPE/EVA blend were selected. These were optimum condition for application in this system. The relations among gel fraction of the LDPE/EVA blend, expansion ratio, apparent density, average cell diameter, and mechanical properties of the foam were discussed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Thermal and thermo‐oxidative degradation study of a model LDPE/EVA based TPE system: Effect of nano silica and electron beam irradiation

The effect of nano‐silica on the thermal degradation behavior of Low density polyethylene‐poly(ethylene‐ co‐vinyl acetate) (LDPE‐EVA) based thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) system was monitored using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) in nitrogen and oxygen atmospheres (air), respectively. The pristine nano silica was melt‐blended with the LDPE‐EVA system at different loadings by varying the sequence of addition. In one of the compositions, coupling agent (Si69) was used. In nitrogen, thermal stability of such systems remained unchanged. However, in oxygen atmosphere, the TGA thermograms reflected a dramatic change. A two staged degradation was observed for all the samples. The enhancement in thermal stability particularly upto the low conversion levels was interpreted in terms of the barrier effect of silica particles on the O₂ flow into the sample. The activation energies of degradation up to lower range of conversions were determined by nonisothermal and isothermal kinetic analyses. These were found to register a similar trend for various systems studied. Upon electron beam irradiation of such filled LDPE/EVA systems at controlled doses (20 and 40 kGy), the thermal stabilities were enhanced marginally. Overall, the thermal stabilities of the TPE nanocomposites are the function of sequence and extent of nano silica addition, presence of coupling agent and extent of irradiation. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1387–1397, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Investigations of environmental stress cracking resistance of HDPE/EVA and LDPE/EVA blends

HDPE/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinylacetate) (EVA) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/EVA blends were tested and compared with respect to their environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) using the Bell‐telephone test. The time to failure in the ESCR test improves with increasing EVA content, and considerable improvements were produced for LDPE/EVA blends while small improvements were observed for HDPE/EVA blends. Thermal, rheological, mechanical, and morphological studies were conducted which established a quantitative relationship between morphological features and composition. Furthermore, the failed specimens were further characterized by scanning electron microscopy and fractographic methodology to investigate the failure mechanism for ESCR samples. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39880.     

Effects of high‐energy electron beam on low‐density polyethylene materials containing EVA

A series of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) blends with different amounts of ethylene–vinyl–acetate (EVA) was prepared and irradiated with 10 MeV electron beam in the range of 0–250 kGy at room temperature in air. EVA was used as a compatibilizer and softener in four different amounts: 5, 10, 20, and 30 wt %, based on polyethylene (PE). The crosslinking of the samples was studied on the basis of gel‐content measurements as well as some thermal and mechanical properties of the specimens. The results indicated that the LDPE and LDPE–EVA blends could be crosslinked by a high‐energy electron beam, of which their thermal and mechanical properties changed effectively, however, because of EVA content of the polymer; the blends were more sensitive to lower doses of radiation. These studies were carried out to obtain a suitable compound for heat‐shrinkable tubes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 1049–1052, 2004