Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) dispersed in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were found to significantly enhance nucleation, mechanical and thermal properties in the HDPE-GNP nanocomposites. Excellent dispersion of GNPs was achieved by combining solution blending and twin-screw extrusion homogenization. The kinetics of crystallization were shown to markedly increase at low GNP content (0.1wt%) and continued to increase with GNP loading up to 15wt%. The size of secondary structures, or spherulites, also decreased with GNP loading. Smaller crystallite sizes and faster kinetics suggested enhanced nucleation as a result of GNP loading. Mechanical testing confirmed 30-40% reductions in permeability, up to 60% higher Young’s moduli, and reduced polyethylene mobility with increasing GNP loading. Enhanced thermal stability was observed in the HDPE-GNP nanocomposites.

Nucleation and mechanical enhancement in polyethylene-graphene nanocomposites

251st National Meeting (2016)

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