Blown films of nanocomposites prepared from low density polyethylene and a sodium ionomer of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid)

In general, films prepared from nanocomposites based on the ionomer exhibited greater improvements in mechanical and barrier properties over unfilled polymer compared to similar films prepared from nanocomposites based on LDPE. This is due to the greater degree of organoclay exfoliation achieved in the ionomer compared to LDPE. The addition of 3 wt% MMT to the ionomer increased the tensile modulus of blown films by an average of 50% without sacrificing much tear strength, puncture resistance or film extensibility. Gas permeability in these films was lowered by 40% and moisture transmission rate was reduced by 60%.