Thermomorphological analysis of Al₂O₃/HDPE nanocomposites: One approach in function of the processing and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) content

Abstract

The present study assesses the influence of processing and adding alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles functionalized with vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) on high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. The model proposed by Henk, Kortsen, and Kvarts is used to calculate the ideal alumina nanoparticle concentration, in order to provide a larger interface area with lower agglomeration. Two different processing techniques are used to add the alumina nanoparticles functionalized with VTMS to the HDPE: direct blending and masterbatches applying the same processing extrusion parameters'. The alumina's nanoparticle functionalization with VTMS is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The MFI is measured and nanoparticles dispersion is evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and by energy dispersive spectroscopy. Thermal behavior is measured by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles increases the thermal stability of the nanocomposites. Functionalization with VTMS provides improve adhesion to the polymer matrix, while the masterbatch processing technique promotes better alumina nanoparticle dispersion in the HDPE matrix and produce high crystalline composites. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1332–1343 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers

Preparation and characterization of hybrid PLA biocomposites reinforced by wood and silane treated basalt fibers or compatibilized by maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (MAPP)

“…They functionalized alumina nanoparticles with VTMS and reported improved adhesion for the composite. 16 Sirisinha and Kawko worked on PP composites which crosslinked with siloxane. Silane crosslink positively effect to composites elastic modulus, heat distortion and tensile strength.…”

“…Ladeira et al investigated high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites supported by alumina nanoparticles. They functionalized alumina nanoparticles with VTMS and reported improved adhesion for the composite 16 . Sirisinha and Kawko worked on PP composites which crosslinked with siloxane.…”

Effects of Electron Beam Irradiation on Mechanical and Thermal Shrinkage Properties of Boehmite/HDPE Nanocomposite Film

“…High density polyethylene (HDPE), in particular, has excellent mechanical properties due to its linear nature and high crystallinity. The intrinsic properties of HDPE can be enhanced by adding inorganic fillers, such as SiO 2 [ 1 , 2 , 3 ], TiO 2 [ 4 , 5 , 6 ], Al 2 O 3 [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ], and boron nitride [ 17 , 18 ], as nanoparticles to form a polymer nanocomposite. The HDPE nanocomposite can then be processed into a film and be used in various industrial fields, such as those involving food packaging [ 5 ], power cable insulation [ 6 , 14 , 16 , 19 ], radiation shielding [ 17 , 18 ], and the fabrication of lithium-ion battery separators [ 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

“…The implementation of smaller nanoparticles enhances the properties of polymer nanocomposites more potently; however, the reduction in particle size causes agglomeration to become an even greater problem. To address these issues regarding dispersion and interfacial adhesion, the surfaces of the nanoparticles are usually silanized [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 23 ]. Through hydrolysis and condensation, silane coupling agents have a polar end that generates covalent bonds with hydroxyl groups found on the nanoparticles.…”