HDPE Composites Research Articles

Optimization of geometric parameters for mode-I fracture analyse on glass fiber woven mat thermoplastic laminated composites

The present work is to optimize the geometric parameters such as width (W), breath, total width (C), height (h), and crack length (a) of glass fiber woven mat reinforced thermoplastic laminate composite for Mode-I fracture analysis with compact tension testing mode. The laminated HDPE composites were prepared by hot compression molding with three layers of HDPE and two-layer of glass fiber woven mat. The design of experiments (L27 Orthogonal array) was prepared based on the Taguchi technique with four parameters and three levels. The mode-I fracture toughness and energy-releasing rate were calculated for all samples. The ANOVA and regression equation were used to find the effect of toughness and energy releasing rate of the laminate composites. The experimental and regression results are compared and predicted the error. Finally, the optimum shape to laminate composites is suggested for predicting fracture behaviors of various synthetic and natural fiber woven mat reinforced polymer composites in mode-I under compact tension mode.

Optimization for Injection Moulding process parameters towards Warpage and Shrinkage of HDPE-PBI composites

Injection moulding is a high-quality process that is preferred in modern manufacturing. Due to the defects in HDPE polymer composites the parameter’s had to be adjusted based on the necessity. Therefore, this study of parameters is to improve the quality characteristics of the injection moulding of HDPE-PBI composite samples. As the composition of HDPE composites varies, the quality aspects that must be controlled are shrinkage and warpage. The parameters that are considered as factors are Melting Temperature (°C), Injection pressure (MPa) and cooling time (sec). Using the Taguchi Optimization method of L9 Orthogonal array, the injection moulding process was performed and found that the injection pressure of 65 MPa and temperature of 180-185 °C showed better results. The influence of parameters was studied through this research using Analysis of Variance (ANNOVA).

Effect of fiber hybridization on mechanical, thermal, and water absorption behavior of HF/CF/HDPE composites

The composite materials are present in nature since the prehistoric era. Applications of fiber-based composite materials are increasing day by day in our society to overcome the raised environmental and economic concerns. Hence, waste fiber can be utilized as the best resource to develop composites. The present study deals with the impact of hybridization on the mechanical, thermal, and water absorption behavior of hair and coir fiber-based hybrid composites. The compression molding technique was used to develop the hybrid composites with fixed fiber content (15 wt.%) and was also varied the relative weight percentage of hair and coir fibers [(100% HF), (75% HF/25% CF), (50% HF/50% CF), (25% HF/75% CF) and (100% CF)] in reinforcing phase with HDPE composites S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5, respectively. The composite S2 was achieved superior mechanical attributes as compared to other hybrid/non-hybrid composites. The composite S2 was improved the tensile strength 5% and 35.2% more in comparison to composites S1 and S5, respectively. The thermal behavior (TGA, DTG, and DTA) was also influenced by the blending ratio of fibers of composites. The 5% and 50% weight losses of composite S2 were observed at higher temperature 343.8°C and 465.8°C as compare to other composites, which showed the thermal stability of composites S2. SEM analysis was used to investigate the strength of the fiber-matrix interface, which was shown a significant connection between mechanical and thermal behaviors. The crystallinity of hybrid and non-hybrid composites was examined by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyzer and composite S2 was achieved 326 × 10−9 m crystal size at 21.053° peak position with wavelength 1.5406 × 10−10 m for Cu. The water absorption test was used to examine the moisture resistivity of composite materials, which was helpful to increase the applications of materials in humid areas.

Influence of processed waste bagasse fibre-stone dust-6063 aluminium alloy particle on the characteristics of hybrid reinforced recycled HDPE composites

ABSTRACT A novel hybrid composite material was developed through the compression moulding technique by adding bagasse fibre, stone-dust and 6063 aluminium alloy (Al-Mg-Si) particles to recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) matrix. The bagasse fibres were treated while the stone-dust and 6063 aluminium alloy (Al-Mg-Si) particles were sieved to particle sizes of ˂75 µm and ˂250 µm, respectively, before blending with the matrix. The work investigates comparatively, the influence of bagasse fibre-stone dust (hybrid-of-2) and bagasse fibre-stone dust-Al-Mg-Si particles (hybrid-of-3) on composite formation systems for reinforced rHDPE composites. The properties of recycled HDPE and rHDPE composites were thoroughly investigated through selected mechanical properties, wear resistance and thermal conductivity tests. The results show that the addition of bagasse fibre-stone dust-Al-Mg-Si alloy particles improves the mechanical, wear and thermal properties of the composites. The ultimate tensile strength was enhanced by 39% having a UTS value of 32 MPa, tensile modulus by 13% with a value of 98 MPa and wear resistance by 53% with a value of 0.8 g. SEM images showed that these reinforcements blended more properly when lower contents were added. This is responsible for the enhancement observed in the mechanical properties of the hybrid-of-3 reinforced composite.

Comparison of Composite Quality from PP Plastic with Recycled HDPE Through The Screw Extruder Process

This study examines the composite quality of PP and HDPE plastic waste materials using Microfiber Oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) as filler, the fiber used is 90 µm. The ratio of matrix: filler used is 60:40 and 70:30 for each type of PP and HDPE polymer. The method used is a melt blending screw extruder, where plastic and fiber materials are dissolved with a compatibilizer and then melt blended in an extruder by providing temperatures of 160 and 170 oC. Tensile tests showed the strength of the PP composite with a filler ratio of 60:40 and 70:30, respectively, of 313.25 N and 336.35 N, while the HDPE composite with a filler ratio of 60:40 and 70:30, respectively are 392.93 N and 187.90 N. The maximum force required to break HDPE composites reaches 21.10 Mpa while for PP composites it reaches 18.56 Mpa. From the morphology of the PP and HDPE composite samples, the overall surface structure of HDPE looks regular with a width from 1 to 13.5 mm. The PP composite shows a uniform and regularly arranged surface structure and the bond between the fibers and the filler looks more compatible but the surface pores are rougher. Heat resistance can be seen from the melting point of PP composites which can reach 163.81oC while HDPE composites only reach 134.21oC.

Influence of a bark-filler on the properties of PLA biocomposites

In this study, wood plastic composites (WPC) made of poly(lactic acid) PLA and a bark-filler were manufactured. Two degrees of bark comminution (10–35 mesh and over 35 mesh) and varied content of bark (40, 50 and 60%) were investigated. The studied panels were compared with analogically manufactured HDPE boards. The manufacture of composites involved two stages: at first, WPC granules with the appropriate formulation were produced using the extruder (temperatures in individual extruder sections were 170–180 °C) and crushing using a hammer mill after cooling the extruded composite; secondly, the obtained granulate was used to produce boards with nominal dimensions of 300 × 300 × 2.5 mm3 by flat pressing in a mold, using a single daylight press at a temperature 200 °C. The study proved that comminuted bark can be applied as a filler in PLA composites. However, an increase in bark content decreased mechanical properties (MOR, MOE) and deteriorated humidity resistance (high TS and WA) of the panels. Along with the increase in bark content, an increase in the contact angle of the composite surfaces and a decrease in the total surface energy were noted. It was also found that PLA composites have higher strength parameters and lower moisture resistance compared to HDPE composites with the same bark content.Graphical abstract

Development of hemp fiber composites with recycled high density polyethylene grocery bags

AbstractThis research focuses on the development of an environmentally friendly composite directly from recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) grocery bags without changing their film form. Untreated and alkali‐treated hemp fibers are used as reinforcement for a composite with recycled High Density Polyethylene (rHDPE) and a combination of rHDPE and virgin HDPE (vHDPE). Grocery bags and hemp fibers are characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Fiber preforms are produced using a hydro‐entanglement method and compression molded with HDPE and/or rHDPE at weight fractions of 30, 40, and 50%. The hemp fiber HDPE composites are characterized and tested for their tension and flexure performance. The results show an improvement in mechanical properties when using treated fibers as well as the addition of vHDPE to the polymer matrix. The highest tensile and flexural strength values for the pure rHDPE composite were acquired after adding 40 and 50% weight fraction of treated fibers, respectively. An increase of around 10 MPa on both of these properties was found when using the optimized combination of the recycled and virgin matrix materials with 40 and 50% weight fraction of reinforcement, respectively. It is concluded that the composite made of hemp fibers and recycled plastic bag has relatively good mechanical properties and can be potentially used for secondary structural use.

Largely improved thermal conductivity of HDPE composites by building a 3D hybrid fillers network

Hybrid fillers of different geometries are increasingly utilized for the development of functional polymer composites. We herein report the role of HDPE-g-MAH as a compatibilizer for ternary composites consisting of HDPE, multi-walled carbon nanotubes and hexagonal boron nitride (BN). Through melt blending, HDPE-g-MAH can reduce the agglomeration of fillers and facilitate the formation of network structure. Due to the synergistic effect, ternary composites have demonstrated significantly higher thermal conductivity than those binary composites, and their maximum increase relative to the matrix is 262%. The mechanical performance and thermal conductivity are explained from perspectives of the morphology and crystallinity of the composites. The rheological properties of both binary and ternary composites have close relationship with their thermal conductivity. Although a high fraction of BN nanosheets can greatly reduce the electrical conductivity of ternary composites, they posed little effect on the electromagnetic interference shielding performance, owing to their electrical insulating nature. This research can provide new clues for the development of functional materials.

Effects of different nano size and bulk WO3 enriched by HDPE composites on attenuation of the X-ray narrow spectrum

The X-rays of the narrow-spectrum N-series ranging from 40 kV to 150 kV were used to determine the radiation attenuation ability of a new category of a polymer composite fabricated for shielding purposes. High density polyethylene was synthesized through a compression molding technique, and incorporated with various filler amounts (10, 15, 25, and 35 wt.%) of bulk micro-sized WO 3 (Sample A), two WO 3 nanoparticles 45 nm (Sample B), and 24 nm (Sample C). The WO 3 filler was identified and characterized using X-ray diffraction and a transmission electron microscope. The mass distribution of the chemical elements of the synthesized composites was determined by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The obtained results of the different attenuation parameters revealed that the particle size and weight fraction of WO particles have an outstanding effect on the X-ray shielding ability of this composite. The 3 experimental measurements of the mass attenuation coefficients were compared to the theoretical values tabulated in the NIST databases XCOM and FFAST. The mass attenuation coefficient was increased with the increment of WO 3 wt.% as well as with the decrease of the WO 3 particle size. This improvement in the attenuation parameters of the NP(C) composite suggests their promising applications in radiation protection at the diagnostic level.

Evaluation of mechanical properties of carbon HDPE composites

Use of carbon in its nano/micro dimension state holds a great potential to evolve unique properties of carbon-based polymer composites. In this study, activated carbon and carbon black reinforced composites have been tested for their strength retention capacity and other mechanical properties. Homogeneous blending of naturally available micro dimension carbon black along with high density polyethylene polymer matrix was achieved to produce a composite as a replacement to the expensive nanoscale carbon composites. High density polyethylene is a wonder material and is known for its large strength to density ratio. These high-density polyethylene/ carbon composites find applications in diversified areas like food racks, water pipes, insulation, vehicle fuel tanks, protective helmets, etc. The activated carbon and carbon black reinforced polymer composite samples were fabricated using varying filler loadings and were further subjected to mechanical testing. The major property elevation of strength and durability was observed after loading 2 wt% carbon black in the polymer composite. Henceforth, the obtained carbon black loaded polymer composite showed better mechanical behavior compared to its pristine as well as activated carbon loaded configuration.

Application Analysis of WF / HDPE Composite in Landscape Design

Based on the brief introduction of the basic concept of landscape design, the anti-aging properties of WF / HDPE composite with UV-326 absorbent and WF / HDPE composite with UV-P absorbent were compared, It is concluded that the UV-P modified WF / HDPE composite can replace the UV-326 modified WF / HDPE composite in landscape design, The effects of UV-P and UV-326 contents on the aging resistance of WF / HDPE composites were analyzed. The application of UV-P modified WF / HDPE composite in modern landscape design is presented, and the structure and application place of paving board are introduced.

Effect of material parameters on the mechanical properties of chemically treated red mud HDPE composites

The use of unreinforced polymer composites is growing rapidly in the construction industry, partly to address concerns relating to cost and waste, and partly to provide substitute materials that will resist degradation and attacks by rodents and insects. Hence, this study explores the possibility of combining polymer with locally available red mud. Red mud/polymer composites were prepared using an injection moulding machine. The production of the specimens was undertaken based on red mud/polymer mass ratio, particle size, and alkalinity. The results of the tensile tests showed increases in both the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength, with increasing red mud loading up to 10 wt.% red mud content. The maximum tensile strength obtained corresponds to specimens containing smaller particle sizes and higher pH. The results suggest that red mud/ polymer composites have the potential to be used in the construction industry.

Correction to: Durability study of asphaltene-reinforced HDPE and LDPE composites under UV irradiation and local weathering exposure

Unfortunately, the original version of this article contained a typo error in Figs. 2 and 3.

Investigation of Thermal Properties of Waste Tungsten Carbide (WC) loaded HDPE Matrix

In this study, the thermal properties of HDPE polymer composite materials with waste tungsten carbide (WC) powder has been investigated. This waste used as additive material is produced by the accumulation of particles of tungsten carbide used as cutting tool in the machining industry. In machining sector, a significant amount of cutting tool wastes are generated and re-use of these wastes is considered. This study covers the effects of tungsten carbide particles on the thermal properties of HDPE polymer matrix. This waste filler material up to 50 wt% were used in the matrix. Mechanical properties of composites such as tensile and flexural strengths additionally elastic and flexural modules were investigated. The crystallinity percentage, phase change temperatures and specific heat capacities of WC filled HDPE composites were performed by DSC. Viscoelastic properties such as storage modulus, loss modulus and damping factor of the composites as a function of temperature were evaluated by DMA. In addition, thermal conductivity of the composites were investigated.

Durability study of asphaltene-reinforced HDPE and LDPE composites under UV irradiation and local weathering exposure

The durability of HDPE and LDPE composites was studied using asphaltene as filler. Asphaltene is the polar macromolecules present in the crude oils. Examining the FTIR spectra of the composites revealed the lack of chemical bonds between asphaltene and HDPE/LDPE in the composite. Filler, asphaltene, is being a part of the physical mixture that does not make any covalent link with HDPE and LDPE polymers. The changes in the durability of the composites were monitored in samples exposed to UV irradiation for 480 h as well as natural outdoor weathering over a period of 6, 12, and 18 months. Superior light shielding by asphaltene filler leads to the stabilization of the composites. Alternatively, chemical effects may have also played a vital role in enhancing the weatherability of composites. In all composites studied, the natural and artificial weatherability compared to non-exposed HDPE and LDPE enhanced maximum load, tensile strength, and yield stress significantly due to the presence of asphaltene as a filler; however, percent elongation and modulus of elasticity decreased. Therefore, efficient reinforcement afforded by asphaltene is not accompanied by significant loss or enhancement in the durability of the composite.

Recycled Green PE Composites Reinforced with Woven and Randomly Arranged Sisal Fibres Processed by Hot Compression Moulding

Abstract Green plastics are constantly being used to minimize the negative impacts of the polymers made of fossil fuels such as petroleum. Non-renewable petroleum-based products are employed in wide range of human activities, yet plastic waste accumulation represents a serious issue for the environment (Mohd Rafee et al., 2019). On the other hand, the use of natural fibres in composite materials, such as sisal fibres, in substitution for synthetic fibres, has increased considerably. The aim of this study was to develop a low-cost manufacturing process of composites with reuse of polyethylene bags made of sugarcane ethanol (green polyethylene) reinforced with sisal fibres. The hot compression moulding (185 °C) was used to mould composite structural board. Tensile tests were conducted to evaluate the influence of the reinforcement configuration on the mechanical properties of the composites, considering two arrangements: woven fibres in (0°/90°) and randomly arranged. The results indicated that the use of woven sisal fibres in (0°/90°) as reinforcement of the green HDPE showed an increase in the tensile strength (33.30%) in contrast to the pure traditional HDPE. Randomly arranged sisal fibre-reinforced green HDPE composites showed higher modulus of elasticity than pure traditional HDPE (76.83%). Composites with woven sisal fibres showed higher values for tensile strength and ultimate strain, and lower modulus of elasticity than composites with randomly arranged sisal fibres. In addition, failure modes of the composites were observed. The results showed the viability of producing these composites by the developed equipment and the potential use of these materials as structural components.

Impact Strength of HDPE Composites Roofing Panel from Natural Fibre

Residues from agricultural waste has increased in demands due to its useful products. This paper will focused on the density and type of fibres effects on roofing panel strength made from natural fibre reinforced HDPE. Natural fibre reinforced HDPE with three different types at different ratios for each composite were prepared in laboratory. Dynatup 9250HV was used to test impact strength of the composite. The impact strength of all composite boards was determined based on the Energy (J) value. Both the density and types of natural fibre have significantly affected the impact strength. Bamboo fibre gave the best impact properties compared to coconut coir and kenaf. There is only slightly difference between impact strength value for bamboo and kenaf which is in the range of 2.76MPa to 3.82MPa. Ratios at fourty (40) gave higher density value and results in better impact strength. In general, there is significantly difference between the ratios among the fibres.

The study on microstructure and mechanical properties of multi-component composite based on HDPE

ABSTRACT The basalt fiber (BF) and polyamide 6 (PA6) reinforced HDPE composite were prepared; the effects of adding fiber, organic filler, and polar component maleic anhydride (MA) on the microstructural characteristics of composites were investigated. Microstructural characterization evidenced the binary-dispersed phase (PA6/BF) is of a core-shell structure in which the component PA6 encapsulates component BF, and the extent of encapsulates would decline with the MA adding. It is confirmed that the microstructure is related to the interfacial tension of components by the SEM observation and theoretical calculation. The effect of multi-component on the crystallization behavior of composites was investigated. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analyses showed a significant change in the HDPE microstructure. It demonstrated PA6 and BF as a nucleation agent accelerated the crystallization rate under the cooling process. The corresponding crystallization kinetics and activation energy were further analyzed using the Jeziorny method, Avrami–Ozawa method, Kissinger method. The results showed MA markedly changed the crystal growth mechanism of the HDPE matrix to heterogeneous nucleation for acicular and tabular crystal growth during the annealing step. The lowest crystallinity energy and crystallinity were observed for BF/PA6/HDPE composites with 3 wt % MA. Furthermore, a clear improvement of mechanical properties (by 61%) were observed, which mechanism is discussed in detail. The mechanism of toughening is not only one, but the result of a variety of mechanisms together.

Development and characterisation of multi-layered jute fabric-reinforced HDPE composites

The bast fibres, a subgroup of natural fibre family, have emerged as a strong competitor of widely used man-made glass fibre for use as fillers or reinforcing materials in certain types of composite materials, which do not require very high mechanical resistance. This paper investigates the manufacturing of multi-layered jute fabric-reinforced thermoplastic composite and its mechanical performance. Hessian jute fabrics in two, four and six layers without any pre-treatment were sandwiched in 0° orientation into seven layers of high-density polyethylene sheets and pressed at high temperature and pressure to form composite laminates having three different structural designs. The laminates with two, four and six layers contain approximately 6.70 wt%, 12.90 wt% and 18.50 wt% of jute fibres, respectively. Mechanical performance of the composite laminates having four and six layers of jute fabric was found to have improved significantly when compared to the pure high-density polyethylene laminates. Within a given sample thickness of 6.5 mm, the laminate with six layers of jute fabric exhibited the best mechanical performance. Optical microscopic analysis revealed that the yarn orientation of the fabrics within the composites remained stable, and there was no visible void in the laminate structure. Fracture morphology of the composite investigated by a scanning electron microscope showed good adhesion of the jute fabrics with the high-density polyethylene matrix.

Synergistic effect of zeolite 4A on thermal, mechanical and flame retardant properties of intumescent flame retardant HDPE composites

The combination of synergistic agent with intumescent flame retardant (IFR) systems provides a promising way to prepare high performance IFR composites. In this study, the effects of the synthetic zeolite 4 A in combination with the IFR system consisting of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and tris (2-hydroxyethyl) isocynurate (THEIC) on thermal degradation, mechanical properties, flame retardancy and char formation of high-density polyethylene composites were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurement, cone calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and laser Raman spectroscopy. The LOI value of HD/FR/Z-0.5 composite with an optimum content of 0.5 wt. % zeolite 4 A and 25 wt. % of total flame retardant reaches 26.3 %. A low loading of zeolite 4 A can improve the bench-scale combustion performance as determined by cone calorimetry, and promote the formation of more compact char residue with a highly graphitic structure. However, a low loading of zeolite in combination with the IFR system consisting of APP and THEIC produces no significant changes in mechanical performance.