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

Abstract

Nanocomposites comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and boehmite (BA) nanoparticles were prepared by melt blending and subsequently irradiated with electrons. Electron irradiation of HDPE causes crosslinking and, in the presence of BA, generates ketone functional groups. The functional groups can then form hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl groups on the surface of the BA. Additionally, if the BA is surface modified by vinyltrimethoxysilane (vBA), it can covalently bond with the HDPE by irradiation-induced radical grafting. The strong covalent bonds generated by electron beam irradiation allow the desirable properties of the nanofiller to be transferred to the rest of the nanocomposite. Since EB irradiation produces a great number of strong covalent bonds between vBA nanoparticles and HDPE, the modulus of elasticity, yield strength, and resistance to thermal shrinkage are enhanced by electron irradiation.

Positive/Negative Temperature Coefficient Behaviors of Electron Beam-Irradiated Carbon Blacks-Loaded Polyethylene Nanocomposites

“…It can be implied that the polar additives played an important role in forming the crosslinked structures in the nanocomposites. From our results, we believe that the crosslinking was accomplished via the radiation-induced collapse of the surface functional groups of the nanocomposites. , …”

“…From our results, we believe that the crosslinking was accomplished via the radiation-induced collapse of the surface functional groups of the nanocomposites. 41 , 42 …”

“…From our results, we believe that the crosslinking was accomplished via the radiation-induced collapse of the surface functional groups of the nanocomposites. 41,42 We carried out thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to confirm the practical loading content of CBs in the CBs− HDPE nanocomposites, as shown in Figure 4a. It exhibited that the thermal decomposition of the HDPE matrix occurred between 400 and 500 °C.…”

Effect of nanographene oxide and ionizing radiation on mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of composites based on high‐density polyethylene and waste bagasse fibers

“…In addition, when HDPE is irradiated using high‐energy radiation, such as an electron beam (EB), the polymer chains may degrade in response to an increasing irradiation dose. During irradiation, crosslinking and degradation processes exhibit a competitive relationship, where the former prevails at lower doses and the latter at higher doses 52,53 . The HDPE chain scission at high dosages (200 kGy) causing a drop in tensile strength 40,54 .…”

“…During irradiation, crosslinking and degradation processes exhibit a competitive relationship, where the former prevails at lower doses and the latter at higher doses. 52,53 The HDPE chain scission at high dosages (200 kGy) causing a drop in tensile strength. 40,54 As per our previous investigation, the incorporation of CB and GO to HDPE/BF composite enhances the interfacial bonding between the BF and HDPE matrix causing an improvement in mechanical properties.…”