Nanoclay reinforced Polyethylene Composites: Effect of Different Melt Compounding Methods

Published: 2016

Author(s):
Boran, S.
Kiziltas, A.
Kiziltas, E. E.
Gardner D. J.
Rushing, T.

Publication Name: Polymer Science and Engineering

Publication URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/pen.24428

Research Area:
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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 (?*) 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 ?* 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 (?) 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.