Mechanical and thermal properties of high-density polyethylene/alumina/glass fiber hybrid composites

Abstract

In this investigation, composite materials made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and alumina, as well as from HDPE, alumina, and glass fibers, were prepared, aiming to improve the thermal stability, stiffness, and mechanical strength. The combined effects of alumina and glass fibers and the individual effects of alumina were studied. Alumina concentrations ranged from 5 wt% to 10 wt% and glass fiber concentrations ranged from 10 wt% to 30 wt%. For the hybrid composite materials, alumina concentration was maintained constant as the glass fiber concentration increased. The composites were processed with a double-screw extruder. Their properties were evaluated through a multi-analytical approach. Results pointed to a significant increase of the elastic modulus for the hybrid composite (up to 501% in comparison to the neat polymer), at the cost of a large decrease in toughness, alongside a decline in impact resistance. Elastic modulus improvement was observed in both hybrid and HDPE-alumina composites, being higher for the hybrid composites due to the addition of glass fibers. HDPE-alumina composites presented a decrease in mechanical strength, whereas the hybrid composites showed an increase of this parameter. Concerning thermal properties, the hybrid composites presented higher thermal stability than that of the HDPE-alumina composites and a similar degradation temperature as the neat polymer. Micrographs pointed to weak adhesion between alumina particles and the polymeric matrix as well as a slight degree of fiber detachment. Overall, the hybrid composites presented considerably higher stiffness and mechanical strength than the neat polymer and HDPE-alumina composite (19–26% increase), with no significant change in thermal stability.

Mechanical and Abrasive Wear Performance of Titanium Di-Oxide Filled Woven Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites by Using Taguchi and EDAS Approach

“…Among the different wt% (5,10,15, and 20 wt%) of Al powder, the 5 wt% Al filled composite acquiesces less friction coefficient and better wear resistance. Fillers are added to both thermoplastic [7][8][9][10] and thermosetting [11][12][13][14][15][16] resins to progress the mechanical characteristics, as well as tribological characteristics, of the composites. Characterization of TiO 2 filled epoxy composites under sliding wear has been executed by Siddhartha et al [17].…”

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.…”

UHMWPE-Based Glass-Fiber Composites Fabricated by FDM. Multiscaling Aspects of Design, Manufacturing and Performance

“…It is known that in addition to the matrix characteristics, the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites mainly depend on: (i) the loading degree, (ii) the physical and mechanical attributes of fibers, and (iii) the morphology, activity, and area of their surfaces, which determine the interfacial bonding between the fibers and the matrix [ 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Since FG are characterized by low interfacial adhesion with UHMWPE, the aim of research is (typically) to improve this parameter through various methods [ 31 , 32 ]. In particular, the issue can be solved by treatment of the FG surfaces with a silane coupling agent [ 33 ].…”