Changing Breathability of Polyethylene Composite Films with Different Porous Structures Depending on Stretching Processes


Özen I., Simsek S.

ADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, vol.36, pp.203-210, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 36
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/adv.21600
  • Journal Name: ADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.203-210
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of different stretching processes on breathability performance of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/coated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) composite films under the same conditions. Coated calcium carbonates and powdered LLDPE were physically mixed and dried in a high shear mixer, and polymer compounds containing 45 and 55 wt% coated calcium carbonate were generated using a twin screw extruder. Cast films were produced and then they were stretched 3.5 times in machine direction at 25 degrees C by using stenter and interdigitation stretching methods. It was revealed that not only the CaCO3 type and loading amount but also the stretching type has an enormous effect on breathability performance. In addition, the quality of porosity, that is, the amount of interconnecting pores, was determined to play an important role in breathability. And, the interdigitation stretching process offers the potential for a better breathability at reduced processing costs. (C) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.