Polymer Bulletin, Vol.68, No.9, 2255-2267, 2012
Simultaneous effect of organoclay and controlled peroxide curing on dielectric properties and flammability of LLDPE/EMA blend
The effect of organoclay Cloisite(A (R))20A and controlled peroxide curing on the dielectric properties and flammability of LLDPE/EMA blend is explored in this article. The organoclay Cloisite(A (R))20A were melt blended with the LLDPE/EMA system at 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt% loading through the variation of the sequence of addition. The dielectric properties of the blend composites are evaluated at different temperature and frequency ranges. Results obtained reveal that the dielectric properties of LLDPE/EMA blend is influenced remarkably by extent of clay loading, variation of sequence of addition of organoclay, and controlled peroxide curing. Both the frequency and temperature dependency of dielectric constant is higher for filled samples than for control blend. On peroxide curing, dielectric constant decreases for all samples and is more significant in case of filled samples. The volume resistivity and breakdown voltage of the samples have also been evaluated. Limiting oxygen index of LLDPE/EMA blends is moderately improved on addition of organoclay.