Investigation of Thermal and Mechanical Behavior of HDPE/ZnFe2O4 Composite

Abstract

The effect of adding zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles (2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt %) as fillers to high density polyethylene (HDPE) was investigated. HDPE/ZnFe2O4 composite was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The thermal and mechanical properties of the synthesized composite were studied using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and mechanical tensile tester, respectively. XRD results confirm the cubic spinel structure of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with average crystallite size of 25 nm, and hexagonal orthorhombic crystal structure of HDPE. SEM photographs prevail the dispersion of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles within the polymer matrix and EDX proves the consistency of stoichiometry of compositions. The addition of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles enhances the thermal stability and shifts Tin from 400.33 °C to 431.68 °C which was more apparent for samples of high filler loading. The mechanical tensile test of HDPE/ZnFe2O4 composite studied at strain rate (7 mm/min), confirming that the values of stiffness, ultimate tensile strength, and yield stress increased by increasing the filler loading due to the stiffness of added ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. The highest values of Young’s modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and yield stress were 1148.38 MPa, 40.73 MPa, and 38.15 MPa, respectively, achieved by the sample containing 20 wt % of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. Whereas, the values of ultimate tensile strain and ductility declined by increasing filler loading. A new combination between thermoplastic polymer (HDPE) which can be easily recycled and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles introducing a promising combination between both properties towards many future applications in civil infrastructure, industry, coating and barriers.