Polyethylene Fillers Research Articles

How the Dimensions of Plant Filler Particles Affect the Oxidation-Resistant Characteristics of Polyethylene-Based Composite Materials

This study analyzed the possibility of using plant-originated waste materials (black and green tea dust) as functional polyethylene fillers. The dependence between the size of the filler particles and their antioxidant potential is discussed. Six fractions were selected: below 50 µm, 50–100 µm, 100–200 µm, 200–400 µm, 400–630 µm and 630–800 µm. Significant differences between the effect of particle size and the antioxidant properties of black and green tea were found using the extraction method to analyze antioxidant activity (DPPH method) and total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method), suggesting a higher potential for using green tea as a filler with antioxidant properties, as well as the benefits of finer active filler distribution. Biomass waste fillers were mixed with low-density polyethylene LDPE SEB 853 I’m Green®, Braskem. Those samples were oxidized at 100 °C for 5 and 15 days to investigate the radical scavenging properties of fillers in composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies show that the addition of both types of filler prevents the thermo-oxidation of polyethylene for 5 days. After 15 days, all samples except the BTW 400–630 and 630–800 µm exhibited oxidation. The mechanical properties of the LDPE and its’ composites were tested, and we noted an increased brittleness of neat LDPE after thermal oxidation. The addition of black tea particles above 100 µm in size prevents this behavior.

Development of rare earth element and carbon fiber‐based filler for polyethylene—Mechanical and thermal performance

AbstractIn the present study, three fillers produced with carbon fiber powder (CFP) and rare earth elements were developed for low‐density polyethylene production. These fillers included CFP with a grain size of less than 400 microns and over 90% pure lanthanum and cerium oxides. Polyethylene was employed to ensure the thermoplasticity and homogeneity of the fillers. The fillers were mixed with the matrix material separately, first mechanically and then homogenously in the extruder, then the test bars were produced with an injection machine. In the mechanical tests, it was determined that the tensile strength of the test bars improved by ~20% and the elastic region increased due to the increasing amount of filler. Similarly, an improvement of about 40% in bending stress was realized. In addition, as the fluidity of the mixtures has improved, it has been possible to produce at lower temperatures and save energy in the production. Thermogravimetric analysis was conducted to determine the melting/crystallization temperatures and material losses in the compounds. The scanning electron microscope analysis showed that the fillers were irregularly distributed on the surface in parallel and perpendicular directions. In addition, x‐ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses were performed on the surfaces.

Improved EMI Shielding Behavior of Barium Ferrite Coated Carbon Fibers in Low‐Density Polyethylene Composites with an Optimized Electroless Coating Process

AbstractThis study describes using carbon fibers coated with magnetic material as a filler in polyethylene for EMI shielding. It investigates how to utilize barium ferrite (BaFeO3) as a conducting filler in a polyethylene matrix by optimizing the conditions for its electroless deposition onto carbon fibers. Various polymer nanocomposite samples were prepared using varying concentrations of BFO@CF. Scanning electron microscopy is used to assess the surface appearance of the composite and the distribution of BFO@CF within the polymer matrix. Including MWCNT/graphene nanoplatelets exhibit superior shielding properties, and the polymer composite with the BFO@CF demonstrates enhanced mechanical properties. The 8.2 to 12.4 GHz frequency range is used to study the EMI shielding properties. For the composition ratio of LDPE: MWCNT: GNP: BFO@CF (50 : 5 : 47.5 : 2.5), a maximum shielding of 67 dB was attained. After BFO@CF was added to the matrix, the absorption mechanism rather than the reflection mechanism dominated the shielding mechanism. A thorough evaluation and discussion of the shielding mechanism and parameters are presented.

Mechano Chemical Compatibilization of Polyethylene with Graphite by Means of a Suitable Ester.

An effective non-covalent compatibilization method for graphite and low-density polyethylene is reported. To obtain this result, pyren-1-yl-stearate (P1S) was synthesized, characterized and mixed with graphite to provide a better dispersion in polyethylene matrix. The P1S improves the dispersion of carbon filler in polyethylene through non-covalent compatibilization: the pyrenyl group gives π-π stacking interactions with graphite and the stearyl chain provides van der Waals interaction with the polymer chain (specifically London dispersion forces). In this study, different P1S/graphite fillers were prepared with a ratio by weight of 90/10 and 50/50, respectively, by using manual and ball-milling mixing. Their stability, interaction and morphology were evaluated through TGA, RX, and SEM. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that ball-milling mixing is more effective than manual mixing in promoting π-π stacking interactions of molecules such as P1S ester containing an alkyl chain and aromatic rings. The role of ball milling is confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements since it was possible to observe both exfoliation and intercalation phenomena when this technique was used to mix the P1S ester with graphite. SEM analyses of polyethylene containing 1% of the carbon fillers again highlighted the importance of ball milling to promote the interaction of the ester with graphite and, simultaneously, the importance of the alkyl chain in order to achieve polyethylene-graphite compatibilization.

Study on the Efficacy of Polyethylene Filled SBMBBR Process for Treating Low Temperature Municipal Wastewater

To tackle the hassle of low efficiency of low temperature denitrification in wintry weather in northern region,Sequencing Batch Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (SBMBBR) used to be used for deep treatment of low temperature municipal wastewater and polyethylene fillers have been compared. The outcomes confirmed that the Sequencing Batch Activated Sludge Reactor (SBR) used to be started correctly at 64 d beneath the prerequisites of water temperature 9-12 °C,pH 7-8 and HRT of 48 h,and two polyethylene fillers had vast biofilm after 7 d operation,and the elimination rates of COD,Ammonia Nitrogen and TP in polyethylene K3 fillers have been stabilized at 83.6%,74.4% and 60.8% respectively as the quality fillers after 24 d operation. After optimizing the process parameters,the steady effluent evaluation effect used to be determined for 27 d operation beneath the most advantageous anoxic (3 h) and aerobic time (7 h) modes of the reactor,and the corresponding elimination quotes of COD and Ammonia Nitrogen were 87.7% and 93.5%,respectively,and the corresponding average effluent concentrations had been 44.4 mg/L and 1.9 mg/L,which reached the Pollutant Discharge Standard for Urban Sewage Treatment Plants (GB 18918-2002). Two vital factors,Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentration and Hydraulic retention time (HRT) in the aerobic part were studied,and the great HRT of 82 h was once performed in the biointensive domestication SBR machine under the stipulations of the foremost vary of DO attention of 6.0-7.5 mg/L in the aerobic part at low water temperature.

Effects of Surface Modification with Stearic Acid on the Dispersion of Some Inorganic Fillers in PE Matrix

To evaluate the effects of surface modification with stearic acid on the dispersion of some inorganic fillers in polyethylene (PE) matrix, masterbatches containing 20–40 wt% of stearic acid uncoated and coated inorganic fillers and the linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films containing 3–7% stearic acid uncoated and coated inorganic fillers were prepared. Two types of inorganic fillers used in the masterbatch included bentonite and silica. The structural change of inorganic fillers, whose surface was modified with stearic acid, was studied using IR spectroscopy. The dispersion of inorganic fillers in LLDPE matrix was evaluated using scanning electron microscope (masterbatch samples) and optical microscope (film samples). Changes in the melting temperature of LLDPE in the presence of inorganic fillers were evaluated by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The mechanical properties of the films were evaluated according to ASTM D882. Surface-treated fillers with stearic acid dispersed in the masterbatches and films better than untreated fillers did. Stearic acid did not change the melting temperature of the filler/PE masterbatches. The mechanical properties of the films containing stearic acid coated fillers were higher than those containing unmodified fillers.

Electrospun polyamide/graphene oxide nanofibers as fillers for polyethylene: Preparation and characterization

AbstractThe morphology, crystallinity, and mechanical properties of polyethylene (PE) composites containing 0, 3.5, 7, 10.5, and 14 wt% polyamide 6 (PA6) and graphene oxide (GO)/PA6 electrospun mats were investigated. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X‐ray diffraction analysis results showed the formation ofɣcrystals in PA6 nanofibers where it increased with the addition of GO nanoplates. The crystallinity of PA6 mats was smaller than that of PA6 granule, but increased with the addition of GO. GO nanoplates at 2.5 wt% introduced a second higher melting peak 237°C for PA6 nanofiber. The DSC results showed that the crystallinity behavior of PE was affected by the presence of the nanofibers and GO nanoplates due to their nucleation effect. The mats enhanced the elastic modulus and yield strength of PE by 121 and 33%, respectively. Although ductility was dropped, the yield phenomenon of PE was preserved with the addition of the nanofibers. The nanofiber bridging mechanism was observed in the composites after failure in tensile test. The PE/PA6 nanocomposites can be used in PE applications with improved mechanical/barrier/conductivity properties such as tanks, containers, pipes, ropes, packaging, greenhouse films, and so on specially for those, which color change, or antistatic properties are important.

Facile green path to interconnected nano-graphite networks to overtake graphene as conductive fillers

Carbon nanomaterials are effective conductive fillers for permanent antistatic composites due to their long-term stability in electrical conductivity under ambient temperature and humidity. Where graphene or graphene-like materials have been demonstrated to be the most promising conductive fillers. However, the preparation of graphene and further dispersion into polymer matrices to obtain interconnected conductive networks is still a big challenge for conductive composites. A facile green path (all solid states), microsphere rolling transfer method, has been adopted to introduce nano-graphite conductive fillers for polyethylene. The nano-graphites were well dispersed into polyethylene matrices to give interconnected networks with low loading. The conductivity reinforcements of nano-graphite fillers even overtake those of complicated graphene fillers. The percolation threshold of the conductive composites with nano-graphite fillers for polyethylene has been demonstrated to be as low as 0.85 wt%. The electrical conductivity of the conductive composites was measured to increase by 13 orders of magnitude with 2.05 wt% nano-graphite fillers (0.02 S/m), much higher than traditional solid mixing methods and approaching to the best effects from complicated solution mixing of graphene fillers. The nano-graphite conductive networks are easily adjusted and the method is feasible to almost all conventional solid resins and industrial production.

Higher nitrogen removal achieved in constructed wetland with polyethylene fillers and NaOH-heating pre-treated corn stalks for advanced treatment of low C/N sewage.

Advanced processing of low C/N sewage faces the carbon sources shortage, while quantities of agricultural biomass wastes need to be disposed. This study investigated the potential of quantitative modified biomass addition in constructed wetlands (CWs) filled with polyethylene fillers. Results showed that the lignin in NaOH-heating pretreated corn stalks (NH-CSs) was destroyed, and the wrinkles on the stalks increased and became more soft after pretreatment, which was more conducive to the utilization of carbon sources and attachment of microorganisms. Compared with glucose and sodium acetate, the denitrification with mixed carbon source (glucose and NH-CSs) had the highest effective utilization percentage (61.37%) and NH-CSs were expected to become stable and fast-release carbon sources. After adding 30g NH-CSs to the rear unit of CW with polyethylene fillers (CW-A), TN removal efficiency was increased by 18.21%, and the average removal efficiency of COD, NH4+-N, TN, and TP reached 54.83%, 89.95%, 64.11%, and 45.04%, respectively. Compared with the traditional CW (CW-B), CW-A had a significant denitrification advantage (P < 0.05), but the removal efficiency and effluent stability of phosphorus were inferior to CW-B. These results indicate that the biomass carbon sources such as corn stalks and polyethylene fillers have a good potential to improve the denitrification in CWs.

Incorporation of polyethylene fillers in all-polymer high-thermal-conductivity composites

This work presents a lightweight electrically insulating composite material for high thermal conductivity: all polymer composites created by mixing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene flakes into a matrix of low-density polyethylene or ethylene vinyl acetate. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene flakes have a reported thermal conductivity of 40 W m−1 K−1, and when 30 volume percent is compounded in an ethylene vinyl acetate matrix, the thermal conductivity is measured to be 2.5 W m−1 K−1 at 52 °C and the notched impact strength is 350 J/m. The temperature stability of the polyethylene flakes is investigated using polarized Raman spectrometry and thermal conductivity measurements, and it is discovered that flakes compounded at temperatures of 115 °C and above show a dramatic drop in thermal conductivity due to melting and reduced polymer chain alignment. This study highlights the possibility of using high-thermal-conductivity polymer fillers in bulk composites for near-room-temperature applications.

Uporaba naravnih polnil v polietilenu in njihove mehanske lastnosti

Uporaba naravnih polnil v polietilenu in njihove mehanske lastnosti

Waste from renewable sources as a polyethylene filler

The paper presents research on the impact of three organic fillers from renewable sources, i.e. ground wheat bran, pumpkin seed husks and peanut shells, constituting production waste of the food industry, on selected mechanical and thermal properties of composite injection moldings based on LDPE. The basic strength properties were tested in a static tensile test, hardness and heat deflection temperature, Vicat softening point, and the microscopic structure of the obtained polymer compositions was analysed. The tests were carried out with a different mass content of fillers of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% and variable size of filler grains. Samples for testing were obtained in the injection molding process. An increase in the Young’s modulus and hardness as well as a decrease in the remaining tested strength properties along with an increase in the filler‘s share content were found.

Start-up and Performance Optimization of a CANON Pilot Reactor

A completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) reactor was established by seeding ordinary activated sludge with reject water as the influent at (30±3)℃ from a sewage treatment plant in Qingdao. To solve bacterial loss and optimize reactor performance, a suspension of biological carriers was added to the CANON reactor. The result showed that the reactor was successfully started 130 days later. The total nitrogen removal load was up to 0.03 kg·(m3·d)-1, and the average variation ratio of nitrate and ammonia (RNaA) was 0.09, which was close to theoretical value 0.11. The CANON active sludge reactor ran for 300 days. During the stable operation period, the total nitrogen removal rate was stable at 0.20 kg·(m3·d)-1. Red granular sludge was mixed with the effluent of the system, and the particle size of granular sludge was between 1 and 3 mm. The suspension carriers were added to the CANON reactor with a filling rate of 30%. The fillers added to the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) were mature fillers in the nitrifying reactor of the laboratory. The accumulation rate of nitrification was greater than 95%, and the ammonia-oxidized surface load reached 2.0 g·(m2·d)-1. After 30 days of operation and culturing, the system was successfully converted to a pure membrane system, and the biofilm on the surface of the carrier turned pale red. The total nitrogen removal load was up to 0.17 kg·(m3·d)-1. The average RNaA was 0.14, which was slightly higher than the theoretical value of 0.11. This suggested that the CANON sludge adapted to the environment in the MBBR and began to enter a stable stage. The CANON-MBBR ran for 200 days. During the stable operation period, the total nitrogen removal rate was stable at 1.15 kg·(m3·d)-1. The biofilm was bright brick red with a thickness of 150-250 μm. MLSS and MLVSS on the carriers were approximately 10200 mg·m-2 and 9000 mg·m-2, respectively, and the total biomass in the system was approximately 1.5 kg. Through high-throughput sequencing, AOB and AnAOB were found to be the dominant bacteria species on the suspension carrier, with a relative abundance of 26.24% and 30.08%, respectively, and nitrate oxidizing bacteria were successfully suppressed. The above results showed that CANON-MBBR with high-density polyethylene filler as the suspension carrier had good nitrogen-removal efficiency and was conducive to the stable operation of the autotrophic nitrogen removal process.

Preparation and Determination of Antimicrobial Property of Cation-Exchanged Ecuadorian Natural Zeolite to be Used as Filler for Polyethylene and Polypropylene Matrices

Zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicates with nanoporous structure, tasteless and non-toxic materials. In this study, silver ion-exchanged zeolite, which was prepared from the natural Ecuadorian zeolites was used as reinforcement material in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Polymers were filled with 1, 2 and 3 wt% concentrations of natural zeolite (Z) and silver ion exchanged zeolite (ZA). Zeolites and composites were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical analysis techniques. Microbiological analysis of silver ion exchanged zeolite showed effective antibacterial property against Escherichia coli bacteria. PP/ZA composites showed better tensile strengths in all mixes comparing to pure PP. ZAPE2 and ZAPP1 showed the best mechanical properties among all the composites based on polyethylene and PP, respectively. The composites prepared are potential candidates to be used in food packaging, and ZA type zeolites can be used as filler for the preparation of various composites.

Waste Stone Wool as an Effective Filler for Polyethylene

The results of experimental investigations of the influence of a disperse mineral filler – stone wool – on the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of polyethylene composites are presented.

Improvement of White Duekhla Clay properties by using Low-Density Polyethylene Fillers to use it in ceramic industries

The research was summarized in preparation and make samples of the ceramic body that are filled with Low-Density Polyethylene particles.The composite materials were manufactured by using ( Duekhla White Caly with Polymer particles) for purposes of improving the properties of clay for ceramic uses. The samples were prepared from The white Duekhla clay with fixed particle size (150µm) as a matrix and adding polymer powder particles (50µm) as fillers by different ratios in the range (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) %. Some essential materials such as feldspar and the fluvial sand. The results that were obtained from tests showed that higher contents of low-density polyethylene(LDPE) and that were added to the ceramic mixture gave good results and significant improvements for water absorbance resistance and less thermal conductivity. The mechanical properties of ceramic composites were improved by a higher ratio when adding (10%) of LDPE to ceramic composites. For example, the tensile strength was increased by an amount (175.5MPa) for the addition ratio (10%), compared with the pure sample (133MPa). The results of water absorbance and thermal conductivity decreased with increasing of the addition ratio for LDPE fillers. All obtained results indicated to the possibilities of improving the quality of the used clay in the ceramic industry for increasing the plasticity and disappear some disadvantages that were observed during the tests that were obtained on them

Influence of Aluminum Oxide Nanofibers Reinforcing Polyethylene Coating on the Abrasive Wear

Experiments have been carried out to investigate the abrasive wear of steel specimens coated by polyethylene (PE) coating in a sandy soil. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanofibers were employed as fillers in PE for fabricating the tested composites. The reinforced polyethylene coating has been impregnated by oil. An abrasive wear tester was developed to simulate the abrasion caused by a sandy soil against surfaces subjected to abrasive contaminants. Motion was transmitted to the disc via the drill chuck. The test time was 15 min. Experiments were carried out at 25 °C. Wear was measured by digital balance with an accuracy of ± 0.001 g. Wear and embedment of sand particles were analyzed using optical microscopy after the test. Based on the experimental results, it was found that, the addition of aluminum oxide fibers showed a considerable mitigation in the wear. When oil content increased, the wear decreased. Embedment of the sand particles for the smaller size particles is higher than the larger particles. Increasing of oil content enhanced the embedment of sand particles. The compatibility of Al2O3 nanofibers with PE leads to the inseparability of aluminum oxide due to good adhesion and decreased the wear.

Targeted Control of the Structure and Properties of Polyethylene Containing Disperse Fillers

A study was made of the possibility and effectiveness of using disperse production waste as filler for polyethylene. The obtained data demonstrate the expediency of using phenolic plastic and basalt wool waste for the filling of polyethylene, which makes it possible to increase the properties of polyethylene, reduce the cost of the finished articles, and reduce the ecological impact.

Analysis of polyethylene-particle filled SiCN precursor and the resulting porous ceramics with emphasis on using micro computed tomography

Porous, polymer derived SiCN ceramics are synthesized from a solid polysilazane (PSZMS) and an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (PE) as sacrificial filler. Common analytical methods for the investigation of the thermal decomposition processes and the formed (macro) porosities, such as thermogravimetry and mercury porosimetry respectively, were supplemented by micro computed tomography (µ-CT) measurements. Due to its non-destructive nature, this method enables the comparative analysis of both, the in the first step formed preceramic duromers, to distinguish between the different polymers, as well as the resulting porous ceramics. The via µ-CT determined values for the two polymer phases after cross-linking are in a good agreement with the used original amounts of PE and PSZMS. In contrast the values for the porosity resulting from the PE filler and for the formed SiCN ceramic after pyrolysis differ in greater extent due to the limiting resolution that can be achieved by applying µ-CT measurements.

Filler blend of carbon nanotubes and organoclays with improved char as a new flame retardant system for polymers and cable applications

Multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were used as fillers in polyethylene (PE). Only MWCNTs reduced the heat release rates caused by polymer degradation. MWCNTs can be more effective in heat release reduction than organoclays. The char generated by the filler blend 'MWCNTs and organoclays' as a synergistic flame retardant system in an ethylene vinylacetate (EVA) based polymer blend was improved compared with the char generated by the only organoclay based nanocomposite. Initial results indicated that there was a strengthening effect of the char by MWCNTs. The synergistic improvement for heat release reduction by a blend of the two fillers 'MWCNTs and organoclays' was used for the development of a flame retardant cable compound. 1.5 kg of MWCNTs was compounded on a Buss ko-kneader to generate 60 kg of a nanocomposite based on the filler blend. The flame retardant properties of insulated wires made either by the filler blend or by 'classical' organoclays were measured.