A linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) nanocomposite film with organically modified clay (Cloisite 30B) as a filler and LLDPE-grafted-maleic anhydride as a modifier was prepared by extrusion film blowing. The thermal properties, as investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, indicated increased crystallinity with enhanced thermal stability. Morphological attributes of nanocomposite films were demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy, and the thickness distribution of clay platelets was analyzed by kite plot. The radius of gyration (R g) of LLDPE chains is studied by small-angle X-ray scattering from the Guinier region. The analysis of tear fracture and its associated surface morphology was done by scanning electron microscopy. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were measured for nanocomposite films. The 5 wt % clay-loaded nanocomposite film showed a ∼23.5 and ∼33.4% decrease in WVTR and OTR, respectively, compared to that of neat LLDPE films. The effect of crystallinity on tear energy and the influence of clay thickness in film transmittance on the barrier properties of various nanocomposite films with varied clay content were discussed. The paper demonstrated the correspondence between lower R g values and low platelet thickness, which in turn remained directly correlated to OTR and WVTR.

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