Effect of stretching temperature on breathability and waterproofness properties of polyethylene films containing different calcium carbonates

In this study, films from polyethylene and coated calcium carbonate blends were generated and the effects of calcium carbonate type, calcium carbonate loading and stretching temperature were investigated for roughness, morphology, crystallinity, pore size distribution, water pressure resistance and water vapor permeability of the films. The results showed that both breathability and waterproofness properties were only achieved with calcium carbonate possessing small particles (CC2 type) at both 25 and 50℃. Stretching at 80℃ led to ruptures in the films independent of calcium carbonate and loading amount employed. Increasing the calcium carbonate level provided better breathability performance without affecting the waterproofness considerably.