Elasto-Plastic Materials based on EPDM Rubber, LDPE, Plasticized Starch and OMMT

Abstract

This paper describes the development of new types of dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers based on ethylene-propylene-terpolymer rubber and low-density polyethylene, reinforced with plasticized starch and montmorillonite with a chemically modified surface. An octylphenol-formaldehyde resin in the presence of stannous chloride dihydrate was used as a vulcanizing agent. The samples were obtained on a Brabender Plasti-Corder mixer, at appropriate temperatures and rotation speeds, using the dynamic vulcanization method and the melt intercalation technique. The mixtures obtained were modeled in the form of plates with standard dimensions using specific molds and a laboratory-scale electrical press. The obtained samples were analyzed from the point of view of the physical-mechanical properties, the melt flow index, as well as from the structural and morphological point of view. It was observed that the characteristics of the samples are influenced by both the composition and the methods of obtaining used. According to the obtained characteristics, the new elasto-plastic materials can be used in fields such as the footwear industry (for the production of: soles, heels, protective boots), in the rubber and plastics industry, the automobile industry, agriculture or construction (when making gaskets, technical items, hoses, etc.). They can be easily processed into different finished products by methods specific to plastics.

Antimicrobial Packaging for Plum Tomatoes Based on ZnO Modified Low-Density Polyethylene

“…Therefore, including the nanoparticles in the polyethylene matrix will ensure better overall properties, with long-lasting antimicrobial activity, better mechanical and barrier properties, and low migration of the zinc ions into the food [ 48 , 49 ]. Additionally, such composite material will keep its properties when recycled [ 50 ], with the ZnO nanoparticles manifesting continuous antimicrobial action. We have used a melt mixing process at 150 °C for 10 min with the help of a Plasti-Corder Brabender mixer, as this will lead to a homogenous dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles into the polyethylene matrix, not only at the surface, improving the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of the packaging.…”