Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Uniaxially Stretched Multilayer Nylon/Clay Nanocomposite Film

Multilayer films consisting of a core layer of nylon 6 sandwiched between two linear low density polyethylene layer were produced using a semi industrial cast film extrusion line. The core layer of the films was produced from neat nylon and nylon/clay nanocomposite resins. The films were consequently uniaxially stretched in machine direction. The effect of stretching on crystalline structure as well as mechanical and permeability properties of the samples were investigated. Orientations of the films for both layers: polyethylene and nylon were assessed by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and it was found that clay inclusion hinder orientation of the core nylon layer. Interaction of nylon molecules with clay influences the crystalline transformation for nylon/clay nanocomposite film during the stretching.

Keywords:

Nylon , Nanocomposite , Multilayer , Film