Preparation and characterization of zeolite beta–polyurethane composite membranes

Incorporation of zeolite into polyurethane (PU) membranes was investigated by using as‐synthesized and calcined zeolite beta particles at two different loading contents (0.1 and 1 wt %). The chemical interaction between the zeolite beta crystals and PU was observed by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. The SEM results suggested that the calcined zeolite beta crystals were more homogeneously dispersed in the composite membranes than the as‐synthesized zeolite beta crystals. DMA results demonstrated that all composite membranes had higher storage modulus in the rubbery state and higher stability towards thermal and mechanical degradation with respect to the control groups. Tensile testing results also showed increased tensile strength and elongation at break for all composite membranes. This study suggests that incorporating zeolite beta in its as‐synthesized or calcined forms and at different amounts can be applied as an alternative method for tailoring the mechanical properties of PU membranes without changing its structural characteristics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Tensile,Swelling, and Oxidative Degradation Properties of Crosslinked Polyvinyl Alcohol/Chitosan/Halloysite Nanotube Composites

Glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan (CS)/halloysite nanotube (HNT) composite films were prepared using a wet casting method. The tensile, morphology, thermal degradation, swelling, moisture, and oxidative degradation properties of crosslinked composite films were carried out. The presences of crosslinking in the composite films were confirmed by FTIR result. The tensile strength of the crosslinked composite films increased up to 0.5 wt% of HNTs loading. Increasing HNTs reduced the thermal degradation, swelling, and moisture properties of crosslinked composite films reduced with the increase of HNTs content. Results also indicated that the crosslinked composite films were degraded using Fenton reagent.     

The adsorption behavior of Cu(II), Pb(II), and Co(II) of ethylene vinyl acetate‐clinoptilolite nanocomposites

In this study, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) was mixed with clinoptilolite (C), a natural zeolite, to prepare EVA‐C nanocomposites. The films were characterized by SEM‐EDS, XRD, and FT‐IR, and heavy metal removal was studied using the batch technique. The effects of the initial pH value and concentration of solutions, contact time, and filler dosage on the adsorption capacity of the composites were investigated. To study the influence of pretreatment on the filler, clinoptilolite was activated using KCl, NaCl, and HCl. Adsorption results show that equilibrium was reached after 24 h, and that sorption reached its maximum at pH values between 5 and 7. The selectivity trend was observed to be Pb > Cu > Co, which was consistent for both single and mixed metal‐ion solutions. Pretreatment significantly increased adsorption capacity of the composite, but was dependent on the conditioning reagent. Nanocomposites filled with HCl‐activated particles demonstrated a high adsorption capacity of between 70 and 80% for all three metals, while KCl‐activated particles were the least efficient with a maximum adsorption capacity of 69% for Pb(II), 54% for Cu(II) and 48% for Co(II). The adsorption data were then fitted to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms over the entire concentration range, and the Langmuir isotherm showed a better fit of the experimental sorption data than the Freundlich isotherm. The results obtained show that this simple methodology which can be up‐scaled has great potential for the preparation of a wide variety of similar particle‐filled adsorbent nanocomposites in other environmental remediation applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Mechanical and thermal properties of EVA blended with biodegradable ethyl cellulose

In this study, biodegradable blend of Poly (Ethylene‐co‐Vinyl Acetate) (EVA) and Ethyl Cellulose (EC) were prepared. Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer was used as an interfacial compatibilizer to enhance adhesion between EVA and EC. The melt blended compatibilized biocomposites were examined for mechanical and thermal properties as per the ASTM standards. It has been found that the EC has a reinforcing effect on EVA leading to enhanced tensile strength and also impart biodegradability. Thus, a high loading of 50% EC could be added without compromising much on the mechanical properties. Analysis of the tensile data using predictive theories showed an enhanced interaction of the dispersed phase (EC) and the matrix (EVA). The compatibilizing effects of EVOH on these blends were confirmed by the significant improvement in the mechanical properties comparable with neat EVA as also observed by SEM microscopy. The TGA thermograms exhibits two‐stage degradation and as EC content increases, the onset temperature for thermal degradation reduces. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

The comparison of properties of (rubber tree seed shell flour)‐filled polypropylene and high‐density polyethylene composites

The effect of varied rubber tree seed shell flour (RSSF) filler loadings on processing torque, mechanical, thermal, water absorption, and morphological properties of polypropylene (PP) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites has been studied. The addition of RSSF in the composites increased the stabilization torque in both PP‐ and HDPE‐based composites. Tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural strength, and impact strength show significant reduction when higher loading of RSSF was incorporated, while tensile modulus and flexural modulus were improved. The phenomenon was noted for both matrices, PP and HDPE, but HDPE‐based composites showed clear effects on the reduction of the mechanical properties compared with RSSF‐filled PP. Scanning electron microscopy of tensile fracture specimens revealed the degree of dispersion of RSSF filler in the matrices. At higher filler loadings, agglomerations and poor dispersion of RSSF particles were spotted, which induce the debonding mechanism of the system. Thermogravimetric analysis thermograms showed that both PP‐ and HDPE‐based composite systems with higher RSSF content have higher thermal stability, initial degradation temperature, degradation temperature, and total weight loss. Water absorption ability of the composites increases as the filler loading increases for both matrices. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:91–99, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of halloysite nanotubes and kaolin loading on the tensile,swelling, and oxidative degradation properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan blends

[Halloysite nanotubes (HNT)]‐filled and kaolin filled composite films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/chitosan (CS) blend were prepared via solution casting method. Tensile properties, fracture morphology, FTIR spectra, thermal stability, swelling properties, moisture absorption, and oxidative degradation of the composite films were investigated. Addition of 0.5 wt% of filler led to the optimum tensile properties of the films. Increased roughness and tearing in the fracture surface morphology supported the tensile results. The FTIR results indicated there were physical interactions present in the composite films. Thermal stability of the composite films differed slightly where PVA/CS/HNT composite films showed better thermal stability than PVA/CS/kaolin composite films. Moreover, the presence of HNT and kaolin fillers in the blend reduced the swelling and moisture absorption properties of the films. Finally, the composite films were degraded by using Fenton's reagent. Degradation percentage of the composite films decreased with increasing filler loading. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:55–64, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synergistic effects of 4A zeolite on the flame‐retardant properties and thermal stability of an efficient halogen‐free flame‐retardant EVA composite

The synergistic effects of 4A zeolite (4A) on the thermal degradation, flame retardancy, and char formation of an efficient halogen‐free flame‐retardant ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer composite (EVA/IFR) were investigated by limited oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), cone calorimeter test (CCT), digital photography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and thermogravimetric analytical (TGA) methods. It was found that a small amount of 4A clearly improved the LOI value of the EVA/IFR composite and reinforced the fire retardant performance with a great reduction in the combustion parameters of the EVA/IFR system from the CCT test. The entire composites passed the UL‐94 V‐0 rating test. The TGA and integral procedure decomposition temperature (IDPT) results showed that 4A enhanced the thermal stability of the EVA/IFR system and increased the char residue content effectively. The morphological structures observed by digital and SEM imaging revealed that 4A could promote EVA/IFR to form a more continuous and compact intumescent char layer. The LRS and EDS results demonstrated that by introduction of 4A into the EVA/IFR system, a more graphite structure was formed with increase phosphorus content in the char residue. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:380–387, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal and mechanical characterization of EVA/banana fiber-derived cellulose composites

Composite films based on poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) and cellulose derived from banana plant waste have been prepared and characterized. Cellulose whiskers isolated from, banana fibers, by an acid hydrolysis method and were incorporated into the EVA matrix by solution casting technique. The composite films were subsequently examined by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and FTIR spectroscopy. Compared with pure EVA and cellulose, the EVA/cellulose composite systems showed superior thermal stability. The mechanical testing of the composite films revealed that the tensile strength and elastic modulus were increased after cellulose incorporation into EVA. Among the EVA/cellulose composites, 7.5% cellulose loaded EVA showed the highest tensile strength. The percentage strain at break of the EVA/cellulose composite systems was found to be decreased which has been attributed to the restricted mobility of the polymer matrix by the presence of cellulose. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the EVA/cellulose composites were more crystalline than EVA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

酰胺化纳米晶纤维素提高乙烯-醋酸乙烯酯共聚物薄膜阻透性的研究

合成了三种酰胺化纳米晶纤维素,并采用溶液共混成膜法制备了酰胺化纳米晶纤维素（CNC）/乙烯醋酸乙烯醋共聚物(EVA)复合膜材料。通过紫外-可见分光光度计、电子万能试验机和透湿仪研究了酰胺化CNC/ EVA复合膜的光学性能、力学性能以及水蒸气阻隔性,并通过原子力显微镜研究热压处理的EVA复合膜的表面形貌。结果表明,添加三种不同碳链的酰胺化CNC都使 EVA膜的透光率有所降低,当添加量为5 %时,EVA膜透光率仍高达90%。一定程度的热压能够让酰胺化纳米晶纤维素在EVA基体中分散更均匀,使EVA复合膜的透光率提高了2%～3%;随着纳米晶纤维素含量的逐渐增加,三种酰胺化CNC/EVA膜的拉伸强度均逐渐增强,透湿率（WVTR值）均减小;酰胺化CNC含量相同时, 十六胺改性的纳米晶纤维素(CNC-N16)/EVA复合膜的力学性能和水蒸气阻隔效果优于相应的十二胺和正辛胺。     

Effects of peroxide crosslinking on the mechanical and morphological properties of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/zeolite composites

Uncrosslinked and chemically crosslinked ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymers (EVAs) with 5–25 volume percentages of zeolite were prepared in a melt‐mixing process and then compression‐molded on a hot‐press machine according to standard test specifications. The mechanical properties measured by tensile test showed a reduction in tensile strength and elongation at break with increasing zeolite content. However, an increasing trend was observed for tensile modulus with addition of zeolite. Experimental results for ultimate stress were compared with those from Pukanszky equation. The experimental data showed a good fit to the Pukanszky model. The improvement in the interfacial interaction for crosslinked composites was also confirmed by this model. Morphological changes of EVA/zeolite composites were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The fractured surface of the composites indicated more complex morphology at higher zeolite loading. The influence of crosslinking induced by 2 wt% of dicumyl peroxide on the properties of EVA/zeolite composites was also investigated. The crosslinked composites showed better tensile properties than the uncrosslinked ones, a result which might be an indication of enhanced interaction between the EVA and zeolite. Density measurements, gel content determinations, and Fourier transform infrared analyses were also performed to evaluate the crosslink content of the composites. The changes in the properties of chemically crosslinked EVA/zeolite composites were observed. Meanwhile, SEM micrographs of the crosslinked EVA/zeolite composites showed better interfacial strength between zeolite and the EVA matrix as compared to that of the uncrosslinked composites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation and Characterization of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)/Natural Rubber (SMR L)/Organoclay Nanocomposites: Effect of Blending Sequences and Organoclay Loading

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/natural rubber (SMR L)/organoclay thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites were melt compounded in an internal mixer, Haake Rheometer, at 120°C and 50 rpm rotor speed. In this paper, we demonstrate the effect of different blending sequences and organoclay loading from 2 to 10 phr (parts per hundred resins) on the tensile properties, morphology, thermal degradation, flammability, and water absorption behavior of EVA/SMR L/organoclay nanocomposites. EVA/SMR L/organoclay TPE nanocomposites were prepared by three different blending sequences, and each exhibited different tensile properties. Results indicated that the presence of organoclay increases the tensile properties, resistance toward thermal degradation, resistance to water permeation, and flame retardancy for all the nanocomposites prepared via different blending sequences. However, the optimum results for all the properties studied were achieved when EVA was blended with organoclay first and SMR L was incorporated later into the blend. The optimum organoclay loading was achieved at 2 phr. Results from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that at 2 phr organoclay loading, nanostructures of individual silicate layers were achieved, whereas at 8 phr organoclay loading, agglomeration was observed. Flammability of the nanocomposites decreased when the organoclay loading increased.     

Structure and properties of nanocomposites prepared by directly melt blending ethylene‐co‐vinylacetate and natural montmorillonite

The poly(ethylene‐co‐vinylacetate)/montmorillonite (EVA/MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by directly melt blending EVA and natural MMT in the presence of hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide. The interlayer spacing of the silicate layers in EVA/MMT nanocomposites increased within 15 min of the blending time, and then remained unchanged with further increase in the blending time. The tensile and tear strength and Young's modulus of EVA/MMT nanocomposites increased with increasing blending time and reached the maximum value at 15 min, and then decreased. The tensile and tear strength and Young's modulus of EVA/MMT nanocomposites blended at 140°C were lower than those of the nanocomposites blended at 120°C. The thermal stability of EVA/MMT nanocomposites was improved compared with EVA. Furthermore, the thermal stability of EVA/MMT nanocomposites in nitrogen was higher than thermal stability of the nanocomposites in air because of the air destabilized the EVA and speeded up both deacylation and degradation. POLYM. COMPOS., 27:529–532, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical,thermal, and morphological properties of maleic anhydride‐g‐polypropylene compatibilized and chemically modified banana‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites

Composites were prepared with chemically modified banana fibers in polypropylene (PP). The effects of 40‐mm fiber loading and resin modification on the physical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the composites were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and so on. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA‐g‐PP) compatibilizer was used to improve the fiber‐matrix adhesion. SEM studies carried out on fractured specimens indicated poor dispersion in the unmodified fiber composites and improved adhesion and uniform dispersion in the treated composites. A fiber loading of 15 vol % in the treated composites was optimum, with maximum mechanical properties and thermal stability evident. The composite with 5% MA‐g‐PP concentration at a 15% fiber volume showed an 80% increase in impact strength, a 48% increase in flexural strength, a 125% increase in flexural modulus, a 33% increase in tensile strength, and an 82% increase in tensile modulus, whereas the heat deflection temperature increased by 18°C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Properties and characterization of ([Mengkuang leaf fiber]‐filled ethylene vinyl acetate)/(natural rubber) blend: Effects of blending sequences and mengkuang leaf fiber loading

(Ethylene vinyl acetate [EVA])/(natural rubber [NR])/(Mengkuang leaf fiber) (MLF) thermoplastic elastomer composites were prepared by using three different blending sequences in an internal mixer. The blending sequences studied were (i) B1: NR was added followed by MLF into the molten EVA; (ii) B2: MLF was added followed by NR into the molten EVA; (iii) B3: MLF was added followed by EVA into the molten NR. The effect of different blending sequences and fiber loadings from 10 to 40 parts by weight per hundred parts of resin on the torque development, tensile properties, thermal degradation, and morphology of EVA/NR/MLF composites was studied. Of the blending sequences investigated, the B1 system is considered the best method for the preparation of EVA/NR/MLF composites. The B1 system produces composites with lower stabilization torque, higher tensile strength, and better thermal stability compared with other systems. At 40 parts by weight per hundred parts of resin of MLF loading, the tensile strength of the composite prepared by using the B1 system was 15% higher than that of B2 system composites, and 8% higher than that of the B3 system. Scanning electron micrographs of the tensile fracture surfaces indicated this system also had good fiber dispersion in the EVA/NR matrix. An increase in MLF loading resulted in an increase of the values of the stabilization torque and the Young's modulus, but a decrease in values of the tensile strength, the elongation at break, and the thermal stability of the composites. Scanning electron microscopy revealed increased fiber pullout in the composites as the loading increased. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:109–115, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of ethylene vinyl acetate on the spinnability and mechanical properties of poly(propylene)/zeolite‐Ag blend fibers

The spinnability and mechanical properties of poly(propylene) (PP)/zeolite‐supported Ag⁺ (zeolite‐Ag)/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) ternary blend fibers were studied. It was found that the spinning temperature of the ternary blend fibers was decreased in the presence of EVA. The addition of 2 wt % EVA substantially improved the spinnability of the blend system by enhancing its flowability. It was also found that the ternary fiber with EVA₂₈ (28 wt % vinyl acetate content) showed balanced improvement of mechanical properties by a concomitant increase in modulus and tensile strength. The improvements of spinnability and mechanical properties suggested that a core–shell structure of zeolite‐Ag/EVA₂₈ particles, with zeolite‐Ag as the core and EVA₂₈ as the shell, was formed and remained during the melt‐mixing process of the blended chips and during the course of fiber processing. EVA probably enhanced the binding between the zeolite‐Ag and the PP matrix, as made evident in SEM microphotographs. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1460–1466, 2005     

Preparation and Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)/Organoclay/Compatibilizer Nanocomposites: Effects of Organoclay Loading and Methyl Ethyl Ketone

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/organoclay/compatibilizer nanocomposites were produced using a melt compounding technique in an internal mixer, Haake Rheometer, at 120°C and 50 rpm rotor speed. Effects of organoclay loading (from 2 to 10 phr—parts per hundred of resin and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), used as a compatibilizer, on the processing properties, tensile properties, morphology, thermal degradation, and water absorption behavior of EVA/organoclay nanocomposites were studied. Results indicate that the presence of organoclay increase the processing torque, tensile properties, thermal degradation, and resistance to water absorption. The optimum organoclay loading was achieved at 2 phr. This was caused by the dispersion state of individual silicate layers (intercalation/exfoliation) in EVA matrix. The intercalation/exfoliation structure affects the properties of EVA/organoclay nanocomposites as evidenced from the morphology studies such as x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) evaluation. The addition of MEK has the ability to improve the tensile properties, thermal degradation, and slightly reduces the resistance of water permeation of EVA/organoclay nanocomposites. The enhanced properties were seen as a result of the better matrix and filler interaction. The EVA/organoclay/MEK nanocomposites shows better intercalation/exfoliation of individual silicate layers in the EVA matrix as indicated by TEM. Moreover, the XRD evaluation shows that intercalation/exfoliation of the organoclay was formed in the EVA matrix.     

Effect of the particle size of expandable graphite on the thermal stability,flammability, and mechanical properties of high‐density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl‐acetate/expandable graphite composites

In this article, high‐density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl‐acetate copolymer (HDPE/EVA) composites filled with two different particle sizes (45 and 150 µm) of expandable graphite (EG) were prepared by using a twin‐screw extruder. The thermal stability, flammability, and mechanical properties of HDPE/EVA/EG composites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), cone calorimeter test (CCT), tensile test, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results from TGA and CCT indicated that EG significantly enhanced the thermal stability and fire resistance of HDPE/EVA blend. The thermal stability and flame retardancy of HDPE/EVA/EG composites were improved with decreasing particle size of EG. Although the onset of weight loss of the flame‐retardant composites occurred at a lower temperature than that of HDPE/EVA blend, the flame‐retardant composites produced a large amount of char residue at a high temperature. The consolidated char layer formed a barrier, which could reduce heat, low‐molecular transfer, and air incursion, and thus enhanced the flame retardancy. The data from the tensile test showed that the addition of EG deteriorated the mechanical properties; however, the tensile stress and strain of HDPE/EVA/EG composites increased with decreasing the particle size of EG owing to the strong interface adhesion between polymer matrix and inorganic particles. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1162–1169, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of the zeolite type on the mechanical–thermal properties and volatile organic compound emissions of natural‐flour‐filled polypropylene hybrid composites

The physicomechanical properties, thermal properties, odor, and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions of natural‐flour‐filled polypropylene (PP) composites were investigated as a function of the zeolite type and content. The surface area and pore structure of the natural and synthetic zeolites were determined by surface area analysis and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. With increasing natural and synthetic zeolite content, the tensile and flexural strengths of the hybrid composites were not significantly changed, whereas the water absorption was slightly increased. The thermal stability and degradation temperature of the hybrid composites were slightly increased with increasing natural and synthetic zeolite content. At natural and synthetic zeolite contents of 3%, the various odors and VOC emissions of the polypropylene/rice husk flour and polypropylene/wood flour hybrid composites were significantly reduced because of the absorption of the odor and VOC materials in the pore structures of the natural and synthetic zeolites. These results suggest that the addition of natural and synthetic zeolites to natural‐flour‐filled thermoplastic polymer composites is an effective method of reducing their odor and VOC emissions without any degradation of their mechanical and thermal properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Photodegradation and biodegradation by bacteria of mulching films based on ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer: Effect of pro‐oxidant additives

The photodegradation (432 h under irradiation of Xe‐Lamp‐solar filter) of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer with vinyl acetate content of 9% was studied, and the effect of iron and calcium stearates was evaluated using different techniques such us attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and thermal analysis methods (DSC and TGA). A re‐arrangement in crystallization and consequent decrease in thermal stability were found through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which were in agreement with the chain scission tendency. The presence of Ca and Fe pro‐oxidants additives in EVA films increased the ketone carbonyl formation and decreased the ester absorption band of the acetate respect to the pure EVA, as it was evidenced by the significant changes in Carbonyl Indexes found by FTIR. The activity of stearates has been also evaluated by chemiluminescence, where the temperature‐ramping tests under nitrogen showed the formation of a peroxide peak at lower temperature. The lower stability of the films containing pro‐oxidants was evidenced by the values of oxidation induction time (OIT) determined by DSC. The results were supported by GC‐MS, where the concentration of extracted products identified in the EVA containing pro‐oxidants was significant and a much greater decrease in molecular weight was determined by GPC, which confirmed the development of degradation for EVA with Ca and Fe stearates in comparison to pure EVA. Biodegradation of photodegraded EVA films were studied at 45°C during 90 days using a mixture of Bacillus (MIX) (B. cereus, B. megaterium, and B. subtilis) and, in parallel, by Brevibacillus borstelensis as reference strain. Biodegradation of EVA‐films was studied by Chemiluminescence, ATR‐FTIR and GC‐product analysis and the data confirm more efficient biodegradation on the materials containing pro‐oxidants. The chemiluminescence emissions due to decomposition of oxidation species was observed at lower temperatures on the biodegraded samples. Also, the drastic decrease of carbonyl index and the disappearance of photogenerated low molecular products with biodegradation were more efficient on the biodegraded films containing pro‐oxidants. EVA mineralization was evaluated by carbon dioxide measurement using indirect impedance technique. Biodegradation by B. borstelensis and MIX at 45°C was similar and exhibited a pronounced difference between the pure photodegraded EVA film (around 15% of mineralization) and the corresponding photodegraded films containing Ca and Fe stearates where biodegradation extent reached values of 23‐26% of biodegradation after 90 days. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Investigation of the photodegradation behaviors of an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer solar cell encapsulant and effects of antioxidants on the photostability of the material

This study concerns the photodegradation and stabilization of a solar cell encapsulating material made from ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). EVA was compounded with various additives in a twin‐screw extruder. After that, the extruded film was cured in a hydraulic compression mold before being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation at an ambient temperature for 800 h. The thermal stability of the material was also studied through the aging of the sample at 90°C for 2000 h. The tensile strength of the unstabilized EVA decreased only slightly after the thermal aging. On the other hand, the strength of the material decreased noticeably after the UV irradiation. Fourier transform infrared spectra of various EVA films revealed that there was no deacetylation occurring after the UV irradiation. However, results from the swelling test and swollen‐state NMR suggested that the polymer degraded via a chain‐scission mechanism. After compounding with some antioxidants, most of the EVA films scarcely degraded after the UV irradiation, with the exception of the EVA compounded with a combination of the aromatic phosphate compound (0.1 phr) and hindered amine light stabilizer (0.1 phr). The results are discussed in light of an antagonism effect that occurred because of the aforementioned combination. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008