Maleic Anhydride-grafted Polyethylene Research Articles

Process Optimization of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Cellulose Nanofiber Bionanocomposites in Triple Screw Kneading Extruder by Response Surface Methodology.

Incorporation of nanocellulose could improve wear resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for an artificial joint application. Yet, the extremely high melt viscosity of the polymer may constrict the mixing, leading to fillers agglomeration and poor mechanical properties. This study optimized the processing condition of UHMWPE/cellulose nanofiber (CNF) bionanocomposite fabrication in triple screw kneading extruder by using response surface methodology (RSM). The effect of the process parameters—temperature (150–190 °C), rotational speed (30–60 rpm), and mixing time (30–45 min)—on mechanical properties of the bionanocomposites was investigated. Homogenous filler distribution, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis, was obtained through the optimal processing condition of 150 °C, 60 rpm, and 45 min. The UHMWPE/CNF bionanocomposites exhibited improved mechanical properties in terms of Young’s and flexural modulus by 11% and 19%, respectively, as compared to neat UHMWPE. An insignificant effect was observed when maleic anhydride-grafted-polyethylene (MAPE) was added as compatibilizer. The obtained results proved that homogenous compounding of high melt viscosity UHMWPE with CNF was feasible by optimizing the melt blending processing condition in triple screw kneading extruder, which resulted in improved stiffness, a contributing factor for wear resistance.

Mechanical, morphological, flamability and thermal properties of artificial wood plastic

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to manufacture composites from sawdust and polymer high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with different loading from alum as natural and cheap flame retardant and subsequently characterized using standard analytical tools.Design/methodology/approachArtificial wood plastic composites (WPCs) were prepared by mixing HDPE with sawdust as a filler with constant ratio (2:1) using hot press. Polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) used as a coupling agent between two parents of the composites with different ratios (2.5, 5, 7 and 10). Alum as a flame retardant was incorporated into HDPE with 5 phr polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) with different ratios (10, 15 and 20). Flame retardant efficiency was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and the technique of ASTM E162.FindingsThe results revealed that the composite containing 5 phr from (PE-g-MAH) exhibited higher mechanical properties and this proved that (PE-g-MAH) act as an efficient coupling agent using the aforementioned ratio. The results also revealed that incorporation of alum as a flame retardant increased the thermal stability of the composites.Originality/valueArtificial WPCs are ecofriendly materials with a wide range of applications in the constructions field. Moreover, they have high mechanical and physical properties with low cost. Evaluate alum as a natural and cheap flame retardant.

Impact of hybrid nanosilica and nanoclay on the properties of palm rachis-reinforced recycled linear low-density polyethylene composites

The main goal of this work was to assess the technical feasibility of palm rachis (PR) as a reinforcing agent in the production of wood–plastic composites. Recycled linear low-density polyethylene/PR fiber composites were prepared at constant content (3 phc (per hundred compounds)) of maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene as compatibilizer by melt blending method utilizing a two-roll mill and compression molding. The effect of nanosilica (NS), nanoclay (NC), and hybrid nanoparticles (NSNC) at different concentrations (2, 4, and 6 phc) on mechanical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties was investigated. The results of mechanical properties measurements demonstrated that when 6 phc NS, 4 phc NC, and 4 phc NSNC were added, tensile, modulus strength, and hardness reached their optimum values. At a high level of NC loading (6 phc), the increased populace of NC layers led to agglomeration and stress transfer gets restricted. Elongation at break and Izod impact strength were decreased by the incorporation of different nanoparticles. Water absorption and thickness swelling of prepared composites were found to decrease on the incorporation of NS and NC. In addition, the thermal stability showed slightly improved by the addition of nanoparticles, but there are no perceptible changes in the values of melting temperature by increasing the content of NS and NC or NSNC. Scanning electron microscopy study approved the good interaction of the PR fibers with the polymer matrix as well as the effectiveness of NS and NC in the improvement of the interaction. The finding indicated that wood–plastic composite treated by NS had the highest properties than other composites.

Polylactic acid and high‐density polyethylene blend: Characterization and application in additive manufacturing

AbstractThis research reports a novel polylactic acid (PLA) blend with high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene graft maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MAH) to mitigate the PLA degradation issues associated with high temperatures, soil and water exposure. The blend was prepared with a melt blending process and directly printed with a custom‐built pellet printer to maintain the “as prepared” properties. Thermal stability was analyzed in terms of mechanical strength at different bed temperatures and postprinting aging for 10 days. Soil burial degradation and water absorption were investigated in terms of mechanical strength and effects on mass at three intervals (15, 30, 45 days). The proposed blend revealed high stability to all three degradation mechanisms due to the chemical grafting along with physical interlocking. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to confirm the enhancement in molecular interactions, melt crystallization, onset temperatures and phase distribution, respectively.

Influence of graphene oxide on the morphological and mechanical behaviour of compatibilized low density polyethylene nanocomposites

Abstract The research work aims to analyze the effect of graphene oxide (GO) distribution on the morphological, physical, static and dynamic mechanical properties of polyolefin matrices. Polar polymer namely maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MA-g-PE) is used as a compatilizer to incorporate GO into low density polyethylene (LDPE). Preparation of polyolefin nanocomposite is carried out by melt-mixing technique. According to ASTM standard, the specimens are prepared through compression molding technique. Mechanical properties of pure and graphene oxide filled polymers are analyzed through universal testing machine. Storage modulus and tan delta characteristics are analyzed through dynamic mechanical analyzer. A series of characterization methods like the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) were performed on the prepared nanocomposites. The effects of compatibilizer and grapheme oxide on polyolefin nanocomposites were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile test and percentage elongation. The XRD results showed increase in intergallery spacing of nanosheets proving the formation of GO from flake graphite. TEM images prove the improved distribution of GO sheets into the polymer matrix in presence of compatibilizer. Compatiblized nanocomposites show significant enhancement in Tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, storage modulus and subsequent decrease in tan delta peak implying minimum heat buildup compared to control. Polar-polar interaction between GO and compatibilizer leads to improved distribution of the nanofiller in the base polymer matrices. This indeed enhances the technical properties of the polymer.

Development and characterization of a new cork-based material

The use of cork in polymers is an effective approach to develop new sustainable materials, with the current challenges facing the world regarding on the environmental impact of synthetic polymers. Cork granules are delivered as waste by the industry preparing coating plate and cork ventures. These granules can be used in the preparation of composites, to the reason of their low density. This work presents the preparation of biocomposites resulting from the combination of the poly (ε-caprolactone) with cork (10–30 wt and maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (MAPE) as compatibiliezr agent. A twin-screw extruder and injection molding are used in order to obtain the tensile samples. The obtained composites were characterized for mechanical and thermal properties, morphology, and water absorption behavior. All composites demonstrated a better dispersion of cork and a solid interfacial bond between the cork particles and the PCL matrices as confirm by SEM. The Young's modulus values of the composites were little affected by a rate of 10% of fillers; but for higher loads, a significant decrease in this parameter was observed, resulting in more flexible materials. The treatment delayed thermal degradation. These attractive performances reveal that sustainable cork based materials proposed in this work could be a good alternative to traditional and could find applications in a number of domains.

Rotomolding and polyethylene composites with rotomolded lignocellulosic materials: A review

Rotomolding is a versatile process used in the manufacture of thermoplastic polymeric materials to produce large hollow plastic parts. The aim of this review article was to discuss the rotomolding process and show the properties of the polyethylene composite and rotomolded lignocellulosic fibers, which are processed for prolonged periods under temperature. The main process parameters studied are the shaft speed of the equipment, molding temperature, polymer particle size, polymer melt flow index, and amount of material, which must be well controlled to achieve a non-degraded product with homogeneous thickness and no porosity. Rotomolded composites containing sisal, pine, coir, banana, flax, and maple wood fibers, among others, have been evaluated primarily for their mechanical (impact, flexural, and tensile strength) and morphological properties. The type, content, and treatment of lignocellulosic fillers are the most widely studied variables in polyethylene-based rotomolded composites. Fiber content was the variable that most influenced mechanical properties, particularly impact strength and hardness due to the voids formed by the hydrodynamic volume between the polymer matrix and lignocellulosic filler. Chemical treatment of the fiber by mercerization with NaOH made it more hydrophobic and the addition of maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene as a coupling agent improved the interfacial adhesion between the non-polar polymer matrix and polar filler. However, the best mechanical property results were obtained with the use of maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene.

Green composites based on high density polyethylene and recycled coffee gunny: Morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties

In this study, recycled coffee gunny (RCG) was used to reinforce high density polyethylene (HDPE). Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) was added as a compatibilizer. Moreover, the RCG was chemically treated to enhance the compatibility between fiber and HDPE matrix. A series of RCG reinforced composites were prepared and the effects of MAPE and chemical modification of RCG on the mechanical and thermal properties of HDPE were investigated. The results of thermal and mechanical properties of composites revealed that the increments of heat deflection temperature, tensile strength, and impact strength of HDPE were 16[Formula: see text]C, 19.64% and 43.63% by the addition of modified coffee gunny, respectively. It reveals that the HDPE was reinforced with the coffee gunny, and thus can effectively reuse the discarded resources.

Experimental Analysis of Dry Sliding Friction and Wear Behavior of OMMT Nanoclay Added EVA/HDPE/MA-g-PE Compatibilized Polymer Blends with Parametric Study of Influencing Factors

Abstract In this study, an attempt has been made to find out the possibility of extending the conventional engineering applications of Maleic Anhydride–grafted Polyethylene (MA-g-PE), compatibilized Ethylene-co-Vinyl Acetate (EVA), and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) polymer blends with the addition of Organo-Modified Montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay to sliding wear–resistant parts in the automobile, aerospace, and other similar industries. An experimental analysis of dry sliding friction and wear has been investigated for MA-g-PE (2 parts per hundred, i.e., phr) grafted EVA/HDPE (70/30 by weight %) blend with the addition of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 phr of OMMT nanoclay. According to ASTM G99, Standard Test Method for Wear Testing with a Pin-on-Disk Apparatus, specimens slid against an EN31 steel disk of 60 HRC using a wear and friction tribometer at different forces, sliding distances, and sliding velocities. Effects of forces and sliding distances on sliding friction coefficients and specific wear rates of polymer nanocomposites were evaluated. It was observed that the coefficient of friction decreased with the increase in forces and slightly varied with increments in sliding distance. On the other hand, the specific wear rate increased by increment in forces and decreased with the increase in sliding distance. Wear mechanisms and worn surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopic images. Parametric study of influencing factors (polymer compositions, forces, sliding distances, and sliding velocities) was conducted using the Taguchi design of experiment and ANalysis Of VAriance (ANOVA). Taguchi was used to rank and optimize four influencing factors, viz., composition, force, sliding distance, and sliding velocity. ANOVA determined the statistical significance and percentage contribution of control factors.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Polypropylene Blend with Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties for Fused Filament Fabrication.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is the oldest fused filament fabrication (FFF) material that shows low stability to thermal aging due to hydrogen abstraction of the butadiene monomer. A novel blend of ABS, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene graft maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) is presented for FFF. ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of three variables (bed temperature, printing temperature, and aging interval) on tensile properties of the specimens made on a custom-built pellet printer. The compression and flexure properties were also investigated for the highest thermal combinations. The blend showed high thermal stability with enhanced strength despite three days of aging, as well as high bed and printing temperatures. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provided significant chemical interactions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the thermal stability with enhanced enthalpy of glass transition and melting. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) also revealed high temperatures for onset and 50% mass degradation. Signs of chemical grafting and physical interlocking in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also explained the thermo-mechanical stability of the blend.

Improvement of Rice Husk/HDPE Bio-Composites Interfacial properties by Silane Coupling Agent and Compatibilizer Complementary Modification.

Composites using agricultural and forestry residues as raw materials with potentially high-performance, multifunctional and biodegradable ecological advantages, are viewed as very promising for new-generation lightweight and low-cost bio-based sustainable building materials. At present, the research on wood-plastic composite materials is relatively mature. However, it is still a challenge to effectively use other biomass and improve the interface of the high-polymer compound system. Herein, we proposed a simple and effective method to enhance the interfacial adhesion properties of rice husk fibre and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) composites by the silane coupling agent KH-550 and compatibilizer Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) with complementary modification. It was found that the coupling agent KH-550 cross-linked with the hydroxyl group on the husk fibre surface and solidified with the high polymer by –NH–, –C=O– functional group generation. Compatibilizer MAPE strengthened the two phases by covalently bonding with an ester linkage and lowered the roughness of the cross-section of the composites. Meanwhile the modification enhanced the dispersibility, and mechanical properties of the husk-high polymer compound system, the bending and flexural strength were improved by 11.5% and 28.9% with KH-550, and MAPE added, respectively. The flexural strength of the composites increased by 40.7% after complementary modification. Furthermore, the complementary modification treatment reduced the hydrophilic hydroxyl groups and increased the molecular chain to improve the water-resistance, elastic modulus and toughness of the composite. This study prepared a bio-composite, which is expected to expand the use of agricultural and forestry residues as an extension of wood-plastic composites.

Preparation and characterization of thermally stable ABS/HDPE blend for fused filament fabrication

ABSTRACTAcrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a well-known material used in fused filament fabrication (FFF) for industrial and research applications. However, it has poor thermal stability due to the thermo-oxidative degradation of butadiene monomers. This makes ABS unsuitable for high-temperature structural applications. This research reports a novel FFF blend of ABS with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in the presence of polyethylene graft maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) to improve the thermal stability. A 33 full factorial ANOVA analysis is used to analyze the tensile, flexural, and compressive strength of the blend. The novel FFF blend reveals one of the highest mechanical properties in its class in FFF. The thermal stability is significantly enhanced due to the chemical grafting. The results are discussed with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy.

Correlation between physical bonding and mechanical properties of wood–plastic composites: part 2: effect of thermodynamic factors on interfacial bonding at wood–polymer interface

The main objective of this study was to find out if there is any significant correlation between physical properties and interfacial bonding of interphases in wood–plastic composites. To this end, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), mixture of 3% maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) and HDPE (coded as MHDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA) were separately interacted with veneers to identify factors underlying interfaces. Plastics were first melted at 180 °C and dispensed on wood surfaces so that the contact angle (CA) could be directly measured. Wood sanding moderately decreased the CAs of plastics in order of PLA, MHDPE, and HDPE. The treatment of veneers with MAPE comprehensively improved wetting, as the CA of HDPE was significantly reduced on the wood surface after the treatment. Thereafter, the interfacial shear strengths (IFSS) of the wood–polymer interface were determined using the automated bonding evaluation system. PLA had the highest IFSS both for unsanded and sanded veneers. Comparing both parts of this research finally revealed that applying sanding or/and MAPE treatments resulted in lower surface free energy and higher IFSS at the wood–polymer interface. However, our observations support the idea that, at higher temperatures, wetting of composites is mainly influenced by polymer properties rather than interfacial tension at the wood–polymer interface.

High‐performance printable paper‐like composites derived from plastic flexible film wastes

AbstractOwing to lack of proper recycling methods, plastic flexible film wastes are usually directly discarded or incinerated, which brings about severe environmental pollution. Therefore, converting plastic wastes into value‐added products has received more and more attention in recent years. In this work, paper‐like composites derived from plastic flexible film wastes were prepared via the thermally induced phase separation method by adding polyethylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MAH) as a compatibilizer and fumed silica as an additive. The resulting paper‐like composites were characterized by SEM and infrared spectroscopy. Other properties such as mechanical properties, thermal properties, whiteness, printability and adsorption performance were also tested in detail. It was found that remarkable enhancements in mechanical, thermal and printable properties of the paper‐like composites were obtained when nano‐SiO2 loading was 2.5–3 wt%. Uniformly distributed holes that can endow good printability by providing space for ink or other functional molecules were observed by using SEM. Furthermore, the CIE whiteness value of the resulting composites can reach 91.6%–96.7% on adding nano‐SiO2. Additionally, the paper‐like composites integrating nano‐SiO2 and PE‐g‐MAH exhibited good solid ink affinity and high water or oil adsorption capacity. Thus, according to this research, high‐performance printable paper‐like composites used as major components of multifunctional papers can be prepared based on plastic flexible film wastes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

Role of Zirconia Filler on Mechanical Properties of HDPE/UHMWPE Blend Composites

Hybrid composites based on high-density polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride /ultra-high density HYPERLINK "https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/polypropylene" \o "Learn more about Polypropylene" polyethylene (HDPE/UHMWPE) loaded with short glass fiber (SGF) and zirconia (ZrO2) micron sized particles were fabricated by melt-mixing process and their physical and mechanical properties were determined. Physio-mechanical properties such as density, hardness, flexural properties and impact strength of these composites were studied. The presence of SGF and ZrO2 in the grafted HDPE/UHMWPE blend increased the hardness, bending strength and modulus. However, impact strength decreased with increase in ZrO2 loading. Further, it was found that the HDPE/UHMWPE blend with 25 wt. % SGF and 2.5 wt. %ZrO2 showed optimum mechanical properties due to improved fiber/matrix adhesion. Scanning electron microscope was used to identify the fractographic features of the selected fractured coupons.

Effect of Dip Coating Polymer Solutions on Properties of Thermoplastic Cassava Starch.

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) was prepared by melt-mixing cassava starch with glycerol. Polyethylene (PE), polyethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride (PE-MAH) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) solutions at 2% (w/v) were used to coat TPS using the dip coating process. The tensile strength of TPS increased with the dip coating solution technique, especially for PLA coating. Swelling index, water-soluble matter and water droplet contact angle confirmed the water resistant improvement of TPS by PE-MAH and the PLA dip coating solution. Plasticizer bleeding was found in uncoated TPS after storage, but not in the coated TPS. Coating TPS with PE-MAH and PLA improved the tensile properties, water resistance and conquered plasticizer bleeding problems in TPS.

Incorporation of tyre rubber into wood plastic composites to develop novel multifunctional composites: Interface and bonding mechanisms

This paper reports the novel formulation of rubber-wood-plastic composites (RubWPC) with the focus on their interfacial optimisation by using maleated and silane coupling agents. Spectroscopic techniques were used to examine the variation of chemical properties of RubWPC after coupling agent treatments. The unveiled chemical interactions between the coupling agents and substrates suggested the improvement of constituent compatibility and interfacial adhesion, promoting distribution and embedment of wood and rubber particles in polyethylene (PE) matrix, which were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. Compared to untreated and single coupling agent treated composites, the composite treated with the combination of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) and bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide (Si69) coupling agents possessed superior tensile properties (i.e. tensile strength increased by 57.1% and tensile modulus increased by 20.7%) owing to the enhanced interfacial bonding and more efficient stress transfer. In addition, the nanomechanical property of MAPE&Si69 treated composite (i.e. elastic modulus increased from 15.93 GPa to 19.25 GPa) was also increased due to the penetration of matrix resin into wood cells as well as the reaction between wood cell walls and the coupling agents.

Studies On Compatibilization Of Recycled Polyethylene/Thermoplastic Starch Blends By Using Different Compatibilizer

AbstractIn this study, the aim was to examine the effects of three different compatibilizers on the recycled polyethylene/ thermoplastic starch (r-LDPE/TPS) blends which are used in producing garbage bags. Polyethylene-Grafted-Maleic Anhydride (PEgMAH), maleic-anhydride modified ethylene propylene rubber (EPMgMAH) and ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer (PEMAH) were selected as the compatibilizers. r-LDPE/TPS blends with or without compatibilizer were prepared by using a twin screw extruder and characterized by means of mechanical, thermal, structural and morphological analyses. It was found that tensile strength values increased with the addition of PEgMAH but decreased with the addition of EPMgMAH. Elongations at break values of the r-LDPE/TPS blends were significantly improved by using PEgMAH and EPMgMAH. Tm and Tc values have slightly affected by the compatibilizer usage in the DSC analysis. In addition, the better interfacial interaction was observed for the compatibilized blend with the PEgMAH and EPMgMAH during the SEM analysis. It was concluded that PEgMAH and EPMgMAH showed mainly changed results in elongation at break values and this is the important parameter in the packaging industry.

Valorization of waste rice husk by preparing nanocomposite with polyvinyl chloride and montmorillonite clay

Naturally available waste biomass rice husk (RH) was modified and used to prepare nanocomposites with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and montmorillonite clay (MMT) in a green pathway of melt blending. Three different percentages of MMT were introduced into the RH/PVC composites and their effects on various properties of composite were examined. The interaction between PVC, RH, polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride, and MMT clay in the nanocomposite (RHPNC) was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal properties were studied using dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Universal testing machine and limiting oxygen index flammability tester were used to study the mechanical and flame retardency properties, respectively. The delamination of MMT layers and surface morphology of clay-incorporated nanocomposites were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Surface of 5 phr (parts per hundred) MMT-loaded composites appeared smoother than those of composites containing 2 or 5 phr MMT. RHPNC with 5 phr MMT showed an overall improvement in mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties. Composites containing 5 phr MMT showed a decrease in water uptake capacity compared to either 2 phr or 10 phr MMT-loaded composites.

Effects of the type of processing on thermal, morphological and acoustic properties of syntactic foams

Thermoplastic syntactic foams are composites made from the mixture of hollow glass microspheres (MOV) and polymer matrices and exhibit low density, recyclability and higher mechanical properties. In this work, syntactic foams based on high density Polyethylene (HDPE), hollow glass microspheres with percentages of 1 and 5%, and Polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) were prepared by three different processing routes (single screw extruder, twin screw extruder and internal mixer) and characterized in terms of morphology (SEM), thermal behavior (TG, DSC), density and sound absorption. In general, the insertion of hollow glass microspheres promoted the increase of thermal stability, reduction of density and increase in the sound absorption coefficient, being these properties influenced by the processing route and percentage of microspheres that also promoted changes in the morphology of the systems.