Melt flow behavior of high density polyethylene nanocomposites with 1D, 2D and 3D nanofillers

Abstract

The melt flow behavior of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and its nanocomposites with different kinds of nanofillers (kaolin, bentone, sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) clay, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide (GO) and carbon black) is assessed. The dimensional effect (1D, 2D and 3D) of nanofillers on the melt flow singularity of HDPE is investigated. Results revealed that 2D nanofillers in the polymer matrix have significant improvements on the extrusion window of HDPE. The 2D nanofillers: exfoliated Na-MMT clay and GO showed the most enhanced melt flow behavior and processing window for HDPE up to 6.5°C, the best result reported so far. In comparison to the 2D nanofillers, 1D and 3D nanofillers, and micro-size clays also can broaden the processing window.The addition of nanofillers resulted in an expansion for the extrusion window of polyethylene. 2D nanofillers (exfoliated clay and graphene oxide) showed the most enhanced window up to 6.5°C, the best result reported so far.