Mechanical, Rheological, and Heat Seal Properties of 1-Octene Grafted Low Density Polyethylene Films

Abstract

Heat seal and mechanical properties of 1-octene grafted low density polyethylene films containing various concentrations of Dicumyl peroxide as the initiator and 1-octene grafting agent is investigated through using experimental measurements. The results of differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) measurements revealed that the melting temperature shifts to higher values and the peak of the DSC curve becomes wider with the increase of 1-octene concentrations. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a higher thermal stability up to 20 °C for 1-octene grafted PE compared with neat LDPE alloy. The results of stress–strain measurements revealed that the 1-octene grafted PE alloys has higher tensile strength in comparison with neat PE alloy and samples containing only DCP initiator. The results of heat seal analysis indicated that both DCP initiator and 1-octene tended to offer a moderate increase peel strength of PE alloy. DMTA measurements for various grafted PE alloys show a higher damping factor in comparison with neat LDPE alloy. Rheological measurements indicated a higher storage modulus up to 25% and higher complex viscosity for grafted PE samples containing 1-octene comonomer.