Enhancement of mechanical and barrier properties of LLDPE composite film via PET fiber incorporation for agricultural application

A study was conducted to determine the potential of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE)‐PET fiber composite films to be used as an agricultural mulching film. Incorporation of 1 wt% PET fiber into the LLDPE matrix improved the tensile strength and percent elongation. The water vapor transmission rate was significantly lowered because of the presence of PET fibers. Also, the effect of continuous exposure of films to pesticide and UV light has been reported in terms of deterioration of mechanical and optical properties of the films. Differential scanning calorimetry shows that there is no effect of the presence of PET fibers on processing temperature of LLDPE at optimized loading; however, it was found that it lowers the latent heat of fusion and crystallization.