Processing LDPE-EVA blend with montmorillonite and silica nanoparticles

This study focuses on blends with thermoplastic polymers matrices. The nanocomposites blends based on polyolefins could represents a new class of insulating materials with low environmental impact and good electrical performances. The materials object of this study have been prepared by adding different kinds and percentage of nanofillers as montmorillonite and silica to a thermoplastic polymeric matrix based on low density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The materials have been prepared by extrusion: different procedures have been followed in order to obtain homogenous blends and uniform dispersion of the fillers. The chemical-physical materials properties have been investigated in order to determine the processing parameters relevant to the best material preparation procedure. The determination of the best processing method represents the first step to really evaluate the material potentialities and obtain a comprehensive knowledge on the effects of the nanofiller interactions with the blend matrix.