Synthesis and Characterization of New Layered Double Hydroxide-Polyolefin Film Nanocomposites with Special Optical Properties

In this study, we have synthesized new double layered hydroxides to be incorporated to low density polyethylene thermoplastic matrix. These new composites present promising applications as materials to build greenhouses due to the enhancement of their optical properties. A characterization of the modified nanoclay has been performed by means of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We have prepared a series of polyolefin-based films to evaluate the effect of the addition of a whitening agent (disodium 2,2'-((1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diyldivinylene)bis(benzenesulfonate)), the modified hydrotalcite-like material and a commercial dispersant. The rheological and mechanical characterization of the films have proved that the inclusion of the modified-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) do not substantially affect the processing and mechanical performance of the material. On the other hand, optical properties of the nanocomposites are improved by reducing the transmission in the UVA region.