Optical Properties of Blown Films of PA6/MMT Nanocomposites

Abstract

In this work blown films of polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposites were produced at different processing conditions, with the addition of montmorillonite (MMT), pure and surface modified by an organic salt. The films' optical properties were evaluated according to ASTM D-1003 and the results correlated with the degree of crystallinity, nanoparticle's dispersion state and processing conditions. It was observed that the thinner the film, the lower the haze and higher the clarity, due to the presence of less internal scattering structures in the direction of the incident light. The PA6 films with the unmodified MMT had the lowest clarity values, due to nanoparticles' agglomeration. The organic modification of the montmorillonite led to its exfoliating through the PA6 matrix, resulting in an optimization of the films' optical properties (decreased haze and increased clarity) when compared to the pure PA6 films.

Migration analysis, antioxidant, and mechanical characterization of polypropylene‐based active food packaging films loaded with BHA, BHT, and TBHQ

“…The extent of light scattering depends on the size of these structures. When these structures are in the same domain as the light wavelength (400 to 700 nm), the phenomenon of reflection, fracture, and diffusion of light occurs resulting in opacity increase (Bafna, Beaucage, Mirabella, Skillas, & Sukumaran, 2001; Marini & Bretas, 2017).…”

Effects of nanoparticle size and concentration on optical, toughness, and thermal properties of polycarbonate

“…Transmittance is defined as the fraction of incident light passing through a specimen. Clarity and haze are defined as the percentage of transmitted light with a scattering angle from 0° to 2.5° and 2.5° to 90° relative to the direction of incident light, respectively . Obviously, the total light transmittance of the PC nanocomposites drastically decreases with increasing nanoparticle content because of the increased light reflection at optical interfaces between the polymer matrix and the nanoparticles.…”

Effects of an industrial graphene grade and surface finishing on water and oxygen permeability, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) multilayered cast films

“…This transparency enhancement can be explained by the reduction of SR which results in a more homogenous surface decreasing light scattering effects at the surface. The introduction of graphene led to light transmission attenuation due to increased light scattering and absorption effects [20,21]. Further increase in G content led to a 99.8% reduction in transmittance at 1 wt.% compared to the neat N material.…”