Unique stiffness-deformability features of dendrimeric silica reinforced HDPE nanocomposites obtained by an innovative route

Abstract

A set of dendrimeric silica (DS) reinforced polyethylene-based nanocomposites is prepared using a novel and straightforward in-situ catalyst supporting procedure by means of “ in-situ ” polymerization technique, labeled DS-SA. These materials are characterized with regard to molar masses, filler dispersion, thermal stability, crystalline characteristics, thermal properties and mechanical response and then compared with an equivalent set of samples prepared using a more common method, named DS-MAO, as well as a non-reinforced HDPE reference. The mechanical performance of all these materials is discussed based on the crystalline features and molar masses of the polymeric component together with the dispersion of the DS nanofiller. The results of this study confirm the potential of the DS-SA approach as an innovative and promising technique, with resulting materials achieving superior filler dispersion and significantly higher mechanical performance compared to their DS-MAO analogues at high filler loadings, while retaining the limit stretching ability of HDPE. • Polyethylene nanocomposites reinforced with dendrimeric silica particles are prepared. • An innovative approach inspired by an in-situ catalyst supporting concept is applied. • Dendrimer like silica particles are used as catalyst support and (nano)filler. • Crystallinity and filler dispersion are dependent on synthetic protocol used. • Hybrids reveal a superior mechanical response with excellent stiffness/deformability balance.