Effect of TiO2 nanoparticles filler on structural, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of TiO2/LDPE nanocomposites films

Abstract

This study blended low-density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer matrix with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles as UV blocking filler to create a greenhouse cover film. The best properties for greenhouse application were discovered in TiO2/LDPE nanocomposites films with 5% wt TiO2 nanoparticles, according to the results. TiO2/LDPE nanocomposites films prepared in all conditions can block almost 100% of the UV (200- 400 nm) radiation and show good thermal stability. The TiO2/LDPE nanocomposites films with 5% wt TiO2 nanoparticles has a light transmittance in the visible range of about 80%, sufficient for plant photosynthesis. In addition, it showed good mechanical properties with 12.142 MPa of tensile strength and 319.274% of elongation at break.