Nanoclay reinforced polyethylene composites: Effect of different melt compounding methods. Issue 3 (22nd August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boran, Sevda; Kiziltas, Alper; Erbas Kiziltas, Esra; Gardner, Douglas J.; Rushing, Todd S.
• Is Part Of: Polymer engineering & science. Volume 57:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 324
• Page End: 334
• Publication Date: 2016-08-22
• Subjects: Polymer engineering -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.24428
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3888

Abstract

Abstract : Nanoclay (NC) reinforced high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were prepared by different melt compounding methods using (1) a single screw extruder (SSE), (2) twin screw extruder (TSE), (3) a combination of SSE and extensional flow mixer (EFM), and (4) a bowl mixer masterbatch method (MB). PE‐grafted maleic anhydride (PE‐ g ‐MA) was used as a compatibilizer. EFM increased complex melt viscosity (η*) of the HDPE/NC composites as compared to the neat HDPE and also provided a better interaction between HDPE and NC to create slightly lower melt η* as compared to MB and PE‐ g ‐MA composites. The low viscosity melt behavior of the pure HDPE changes to more solid like melt behavior in the PE‐ g ‐MA HDPE/NC composites in the low frequency ( ω ) region. PE‐ g ‐MA + EFM method exhibited better impact strength compared to the other HDPE/NC composites. Using the PE‐ g ‐MA and masterbatch compounding methods had a beneficial role in improving mechanical properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:324–334, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers