Improvement of Age-Resistance of LDPE-Based Nanocomposite Films by Addition of a Modified Layered Double Hydroxide with an Anionic UV Screener

Abstract

In this study, we prepared plastic films composed of modified layered double hydroxides (LDHs), which were incorporated into a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix. The sunscreen additive sulfonic phenylbenzimidazole acid sodium salt was incorporated as counter-anion in the interlayer of a nanoclay by means of ion-exchange reactions to improve thermal and optical properties. The modified LDHs were characterized using FT-IR, XRF, TGA, and XRD techniques. Cast extrusion was employed to obtain the nanocomposites with the new LDH incorporated into LDPE. The mechanical, rheological, and optical properties of the films were assessed, and the influence of a non-ionic surfactant was also evaluated. In addition, accelerated ageing tests were carried out to evaluate the influence of UV light on the mechanical and optical properties of the films.