A study on thermal behaviour of HDPE/CaCO3 nanocomposites

Abstract

Purpose: In order to improve physical and mechanical properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE) addition<br><br>of filler, rigid particles and even elastomer to HDPE is very common. One of the most important filler which<br><br>is added to it is nano size calcium carbonate (CaCO3). To avoid agglomeration of nano size calcium carbonate<br><br>addition of fatty acids such as stearic acid is very common.<br><br>Design/methodology/approach: In the current study, nanocomposites with 10vol% nano size calcium<br><br>carbonate were prepared. To investigate the role of stearic acid on nanocomposite behaviour, nanoparticles were<br><br>coated at different stearic acid content. Thermal behaviour of high density polyethylene and its nanocomposites<br><br>reinforced with both uncoated and coated calcium carbonate were investigated. For this purpose differential<br><br>scanning calorimetry (DSC) test was used.<br><br>Findings: The results of DSC test showed that addition of 10vol% calcium carbonate to HDPE causes a slightly<br><br>rise in its melting point but stearic acid content has no significant effect on the melting temperature of HDPE<br><br>nanocomposites.<br><br>Research limitations/implications: : Agglomeration of nanosized calcium carbonate during sample preparation<br><br>was the major research limitation.<br><br>Originality/value: Crystallization temperature of HDPE with addition of 10vol% calcium carbonate increases,<br><br>while addition of stearic acid causes to decrease it. Both stearic acid content and 10vol% calcium carbonate have<br><br>no significant effect on crystallinity index of HDPE.