Investigating the mechanical, thermal and melt flow index properties of HNTs – LLDPE nano composites for the applications of rotational moulding. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sangeetha, V.; Gopinath, D.; Prithivirajan, R.; Girish Chandran, V.; Manoj Kumar, R.
• Is Part Of: Polymer testing. Volume 89(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Polymers -- Testing -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Tests -- Périodiques; 620.1920287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2020.106595
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9418

Abstract

Abstract: Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) is the one of the most popular polymer used for rotational moulding applications such as storage tanks. But, its inferior mechanical properties and thermal stability restrict the longer service. Hence, this study experimentally demonstrates the effect of Halloysite Nanotube (HNTs) concentration on LLDPE composites for enhancing the mechanical and thermal stability. HNTs were uniformly dispersed with LLDPE matrix through ultra-sonication, followed by compression moulding used to prepare the nano composites plates. The prepared composites are shown 19.2% improved tensile strength for 2 wt% HNTs, whereas 28.9% hike in flexural strength observed for 4 wt% HNTs composite, compare to neat LLDPE. Which shows that higher concentrations of HNTs is favourable in improving the flexural strength rather than tensile properties. In addition to that, higher concentrations of HNTs are also helping in improving the storage modulus of the LLDPE composites. The increase in mechanical properties mainly attributed due to effective load carriers (HNTs) in the composite. Besides, HNTs were also contributing for improving the melting point and residual char of the composites, which is indeed for storage tanks durability. The prepared composite was thermally stable at higher temperature up to 230 °C, because of HNTs chemical structure, the inner layer of HNTs constitute with Al2 O3 and outermost layer constitute with SiO2, both are thermally stable. Stated enhancement proves the potential effect of HNTs reinforcement in the LLDPE composite for rotational moulding applications. Highlights: Proposed HNTs–LLDPE composites can be potential material for rotational moulding applications. High bending and rupture strength of HNTs enhances flexural strength of the composites. HNTs–LLDPE composites exhibits higher mechanical strength and storage modulus. Proposed composites were found thermally stable at 230 0 C and making it suitable for rotational moulding.