| Abstract: | A novel anticorrosion packaging nanocomposite composed of LLDPE (linear low‐density polyethylene), nano‐sized Cu, and exfoliated dickite was prepared via melt mixing combined with melt extruding process. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to characterize the resultant nanocomposite. The results showed that most dickite layers were exfoliated and the nano‐Cu particles were distributed uniformly in the polymer matrix. The characteristic properties of the Cu/dickite/LLDPE nanocomposite were investigated using salt spray test, thermogravimetry analysis, mechanical test, and antibacterial test. The salt spray test results showed that exfoliated dickite and nano‐Cu improved the anticorrosion properties of the Cu/dickite/LLDPE nanocomposite in simulated ocean environment, respectively. Furthermore, the coexistence of exfoliated dickite and nano‐Cu in Cu/dickite/LLDPE nanocomposite produced a synergistic effect on enhancing the anticorrosion properties. Additionally, the co‐incorporation of exfoliated dickite and nano‐Cu in LLDPE matrix also improved the thermal‐oxidative stability and mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. The bactericidal properties evaluation showed that the Cu/dickite/LLDPE nanocomposite had better bactericidal ability because of the presence of nano‐Cu in LLDPE matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1061–1070, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers |
