The effect of washing on stabilized and unstabilized low-density polyethylene films naturally weathered in a sub-Saharan region (Ghardaia, Algeria

Authors

SOUAD BEHISSA
SALEM FOUAD CHABIRA
NOURELHOUDA BENMILOUD
MOHAMED SEBAA

DOI

10.3906/kim-1810-58

Abstract

The effect of washing stabilized and unstabilized blown extruded films of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) used for greenhouse coverings naturally weathered in a sub-Saharan facility at Ghardaia (Algeria) for 19 and 6 months, respectively, was studied. A comparison between unwashed and daily washed samples was done. The changes in the films' properties were followed at regular intervals using various characterization methods (physicochemical and mechanical). Although in both cases the chemical species formed due to the weathering were qualitatively the same, they essentially differed in their concentrations, namely they were higher for the washed samples than for the unwashed ones. Inversely, the crystallinity of the washed samples was lower. Contrary to expectations, the decrease in the tensile strength and elongation at break was delayed as a result of the washing, despite a higher oxidation rate.

Keywords

Low-density polyethylene, films, aging, washing, properties, characterization, greenhouse coverings

First Page

634

Last Page

650

Recommended Citation

BEHISSA, SOUAD; CHABIRA, SALEM FOUAD; BENMILOUD, NOURELHOUDA; and SEBAA, MOHAMED (2019) "The effect of washing on stabilized and unstabilized low-density polyethylene films naturally weathered in a sub-Saharan region (Ghardaia, Algeria," Turkish Journal of Chemistry: Vol. 43: No. 2, Article 22. https://doi.org/10.3906/kim-1810-58
Available at: https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/chem/vol43/iss2/22