Preparation and characterization of LDPE/PVA blend films filled with glycerin-plasticized polyvinyl alcohol

A series of LDPE/PVA blend films were prepared via a twin-screw extruder, and their morphology, thermal property, oxygen and water vapor permeation, surface properties, and mechanical properties were investigated as a function of the PVA content. During the extrusion process of the blend films, glycerin improved the compatibility and processing conditions between LDPE and PVA. The melting temperature (T-m), melting enthalpy (H-m), crystallinity (%), and thermal stability of the thermal decomposition temperature (T-5%) of the LDPE/PVA blend films decreased with increasing PVA content. The oxygen permeabilities of the blend films decreased from 24.0 to 11.4 cm(3)center dot cm (m(2)center dot day center dot atm)(-1) at 23 degrees C. The WVTR increased from 7.8 to 15.0 g(m(2) day)(-1) and the water uptake increased from 0.13 to 9.31%, respectively. The mechanical properties of blend films were slightly enhanced up to 2% PVA and then decreased. The physical properties of the blend films strongly varied with the chemical structure and morphology depending on the PVA and glycerin. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41985.