Neat EVOH and EVOH/LDPE blend centered three-layer co-extruded blown film without tie layers

•Proposed Neat EVOH and EVOH/LDPE blend centered blown film structure without tie layer.•Studied the effect of the compatibilizer on properties of the Neat EVOH and EVOH/LDPE blend centered blown film.•Evaluated and compared the barrier,mechanical properties of various combination.•Recommended a viable EVON/LDPE blend centered structure for food packaging.

Ethylene–Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) Copolymer incorporated multi-layer co-extruded film usually requires tie layers to bond EVOH to Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). This study investigated various combinations of neat EVOH and EVOH/LDPE centered three layer co-extruded blown film without tie layers. LLDPE-g-MAh used as the compatibilizer, was blended in different layer locations. Oxygen transmission rate, peel strength between layers, tensile and dart impact strength of the films were measured to assess the appropriateness for food packaging. The study found that the effect of a compatibilizer on a three-layer film’s properties varies when the EVOH concentration, layer combinations, and locations of the EVOH and LLDPE-g-MAh are changed. The study identified the 15 wt% EVOH/LDPE blend centered film as a possible film structure for future investigation due to its trade-off between barrier and layer peel strength.