Lending of MWCNT/HDPE composite materials using the plastics processing method

A master batch of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), multi-walled carbon nanotube composites was prepared via a kneader machine. Then they were mixed with an HDPE blend using a twin-screw extruder. A scrap grinder was used to prepare the polymer strands in the twin screw extruder using pallets. For the blended mixture of High-density polyethylene and MWCNT tensile properties, morphological studies and sorption studies were studied. Adding MWCNTs enhanced the elastic modulus and the yield stress of HDPE, while polymer strain at break drastically increased below percolation followed by a decrease above percolation. MWCNTs were not oriented for chain alignment beyond percolation threshold concentrations and MWCNTs that enhanced HDPE therefore failed before necking in tensile tests; the addition of MWCNTs generated the transition from pure uniaxial deformation behaviour in unfilled HDPE to an axisymmetric strain through-thickness after about 0.5 wt % filler loading. The FTIR studies were used to identify the functional group of alkanes bonding in the base matrix. The mechanical properties of blend composites show a significant increase in modulus of elasticity compared to pure HDPE. The morphological properties depict the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in HDPE. The XRD of the polymer composites was also studied. This blend of composites can be used for automotive applications such as vibration dampers.