Effect of modifiers; casein, zeolite and magnetite on the properties of bilayer polyethylene/polycaprolactone films

Various combinations of matrix, filler and classical additives lead to wide possibilities of improving material specifications for mechanical, thermal and structural properties. The studied samples were prepared from a primary polyethylene (PE) layer coated with a thin film of polycaprolactone (PCL) and modified with magnetite, casein/magnetite and zeolite/magnetite compounds. Enhancements to mechanical properties were observed, especially tensile strength and thermal properties for bilayer PE/PCL films prepared using casein and magnetite (Fe3O4) compounds. Adding various modifiers increased the melting and crystallization enthalpy, indicating an increase in PE crystallinity and changes to thermal transitions of bilayer PE/PCL modified films.