Investigation of mechanical, thermal and surface properties of nanoclay/HDPE nanocomposites produced industrially by melt mixing approach

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to introduce mechanical, thermal and surface properties of produced industrially HDPE-based nanocomposites. For this purpose, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 wt.% loading of nanoclay-reinforced HDPE nanocomposites made from the HDPE matrix were prepared by the melt mixing method using a compounder system, which consist of industrial banbury mixer, single screw extruder and granule cutting. The effect of nanoclay on mechanical, thermal and surface properties of nanoclay/HDPE nanocomposites was investigated. The tensile and flexural strength of nanoclay/HDPE nanocomposite increased by about 5% and 7%, respectively, with addition of 1.0 wt.% nanoclay. But then it decreased slightly as the nanoclay content increased to 5.0 wt.%. The tensile modulus and tensile elongation were decreased with the addition of 1.0 wt.% nanoclay, but did not increase further as more nanoclay was added. The flexural modulus of HDPE was significantly improved after (from 1.0 wt.% up to 5.0 wt.%) addition of nanoclay. It was found that the scratch resistance of nanoclay/HDPE nanocomposite improved with addition of the nanoclay by SEM examination. Density, melting flow index (MFI), differential scanning colorimetry (DSC), and vicat softening temperature (VICAT) were used to characterize the physical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the structural characteristics of the nanocomposites. It is concluded that the addition of the nanoclay in HDPE has significantly influenced the mechanical, thermal, and surface properties of the nanocomposites.

Effect of Natural Macromolecule Filler on the Properties of High‐Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

“…The melting peak T m,peak , and onset T m,onset , temperatures and the total heat of fusion obtained from these curves are reported in Table . T m,peak for pristine HDPE was estimated at 132.5 °C, which is a typical value, in the range of 131–134 °C, reported in literature for this polymer . As it can be seen all curves are similar and most of the samples melt at approximately 133 °C.…”

“…The crystallization onset temperature is similar for all materials and near 117.5 °C. Similar values have been reported also in literature . In contrast to HDPE, LDPE usually presents two crystallization peaks, which is an indication of existence of crystallites with various thicknesses, and also an indication of a high degree of branching found in LDPE.…”

“…In order to enhance the properties of HDPE it can be combined with different inorganic or organic binder . Incorporation with nanomaterials such as nanoclays, nanotubes, and other nanomaterials such as metal oxide have been reported . Nanocomposites with enhanced flame retardancy were obtained when an organomodified nanoclay was added to bagasse reinforced HDPE .…”

Effect of inorganic nanofillers on the impact behavior and fracture probability of industrial high-density polyethylene nanocomposite

“…We have understood from XRD studies that a good dispersion can be achieved by appropriate processing conditions are used in our previous studies. 13,14 In this study, the XRD studies were confirmed with the EDS mapping study performed on the impact fracture surface and, the distribution state was visually revealed. Figure 9 present SEM and EDS mapping images of the impact fracture surface of unfilled HDPE.…”

“…However, high tensile toughness may not certainly mean high impact toughness. 13,14 Many researchers have reported that the addition of a filler to polymer systems results in a breaking force and impact strength; this behavior has been attributed to weakness in the structure of these two-phase systems caused by stress concentration or discontinuity in stress transfer between dispersed phase and the matrix. The poor interaction between both nanofillers and matrix has bring about the formation of massive filler agglomerates in the polymer matrix, substantially influencing the mechanical response of the industrial product.…”