Effect of UHMWPE Incorporation on Microstructural and Mechanical Responses of HDPE Matrix

Abstract

<span>Binary blends of High density Polyethylene (HDPE) / Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were prepared using Twin Screw Extruder (TSE). The blends were then Injection molded and analyzed for their thermal, mechanical and morphological characteristics. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses showed an increase in melting temperature, while other properties such as crystallization temperature and percentage crystallinity were unaffected. Investigated HDPE/UHMWPE blends showed improvement in tensile, impact and flexural properties with UHMWPE content. However, strain at break suffered a decrease. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of cryo-fractured surface (Samples fractured after dipping in liquid nitrogen) revealed distinct two-phase morphology for such blends. SEM analyses of tensile fractured surfaces facilitated in qualitatively understanding the underlying failure mechanisms. </span>