(181ay) Effects of High Filler Content on the Thermal, Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Hnt/LLDPE Nanocomposite | AIChE

(181ay) Effects of High Filler Content on the Thermal, Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Hnt/LLDPE Nanocomposite

Authors 

Baheri, B. - Presenter, Ohio University
Lee, S., Ohio University
Using a high filler percentage in fabricating nanocomposite and gaining good dispersion is a challenge in this industry. A higher loading of nanoparticles is desirable in order to take full advantages of the nano-reinforcement, thermal and barrier properties.

Polyethylene (PE) is the most common thermoplastic mostly used as a packaging material and its nanocomposite with halloysite nanotube (HNT) shows advanced engineering properties besides mechanical, thermal and rheological improvements. PE/HNT nanocomposite films can greatly contribute to food safety as active food packaging materials.

In this work, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and HNT were processed using two different melt mixing methods, viz., a two-roll mill and a twin-screw extruder. The effect of high loading HNT, up to 30 wt.%, on the mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of LLDPE/HNT nanocomposite in two different processing methods will be explored and compared.