Influence of polybenzimidazole nanoparticle on the thermo-mechanical characteristics of high density polyethylene composite

Abstract

This present research focuses on the mechanical, thermal, flammability and thermo-mechanical behavior of varying percentages of high performance polymer polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanoparticle reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) composite. The principal aim of this present study was to investigate how the addition of polybenzimidazole nanoparticle influences the mechanical, thermal, flammability and thermo-mechanical behavior of high density polyethylene thermoplastic composite. The composites of polyethylene and polybenzimidazole were prepared by a melt intercalation process with different weight proportions as 1, 3 and 5 wt% using a twin-screw extruder. The prepared composites were characterized for their properties in-accordance to ASTM standards. The mechanical properties revealed significant improvements for PBI addition. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) fractograph revealed moderate waviness and improved toughness. Similarly, the results of Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed an increase in Tg and mass loss stability for 5 wt% of PBI. The Flammability and Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed an increased flame resistance, damping and loss modulus for high concentration of PBI nanoparticle. These mechanically, thermally and thermo-mechanically toughened HDPE thermoplastic composites could be used in engineering, space, wearable material and defence applications where high toughness, high thermal stability structural materials are required.