Influence of organoclay filler and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) on the properties of the low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) blend

In this study low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/thermoplastic starch (TPS)/nanoclay (O-Mt) nanocomposites were prepared by a melt blending process using a Brabender mixer. Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and nanoclay (O-Mt) were studied to improve interfacial adhesion and to obtain the various desired properties of the nanocomposites. The structure and properties of the materials were studied by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and by tensile and Izod impact tests. X-ray diffraction analysis of the nanocomposites showed that the characteristic peaks of the clay were shifted to the lower angles, indicating an intercalated structure in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The TGA curve indicated an improvement in the thermal stability of the materials with the amount of silicate and DCP. The mechanical properties of the materials were improved as a consequence of the increase in phase adhesion which gave an improvement in crystallinity confirmed by DSC. In addition, the impact strength of the modified materials was improved compared to the original materials. A modification of morphology as well as roughness was demonstrated by SEM and AFM.