Effects of Stearic Acid Coating on the Dispersion of Zeolite 4A in PE Matrix

To evaluate the effects of stearic acid on the dispersibility of zeolite 4A in polyethylene matrix, the master batches containing 20–40 wt% of stearic acid uncoated and coated zeolite 4A and the linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films containing 3–7% stearic acid uncoated and coated zeolite 4A were prepared. The structural change of zeolite 4A which was modified surface with stearic acid was studied using IR spectroscopy. The dispersion of zeolite 4A in LLDPE matrix was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (master batch samples) and optical microscope (film samples). The change in the melting temperature of LLDPE in the presence of 4A zeolite was evaluated by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The mechanical properties of the film were evaluated according to ASTM D882. Surface-treated zeolite with stearic acid dispersed in the masterbatches and films better than untreated zeolite. Stearic acid did not change the melting temperature of zeolite 4A/PE master batches. The mechanical properties of the films containing stearic acid coated zeolite 4A were higher than those containing unmodified zeolite 4A.