Improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties of HDPE/ceramic nanocomposite films by electron irradiation

Abstract

An approach to fabricate mechanically and thermally enhanced high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/boehmite nanocomposite film is explored. Polymeric nanocomposite films comprising HDPE and boehmite nanoparticles are prepared by melt blending and subsequently irradiated with electrons. The surface of the boehmite nanoparticles were treated with silane coupling agent containing alkyl chains so that the surface-treated boehmite is covered with alkyl chains. Accordingly, the surface-treated boehmite nanoparticles are dispersed to a high degree in the HDPE matrix, and are entangled with a polyethylene chain, thereby reinforcing the amorphous region of the composite film. Electron irradiation of surface-treated boehmite/HDPE nanocomposite film causes crosslinking not only at the interface between alkyl chains on the boehmite but also the polyethylene itself. Synergetic effects of silane treatment of boehmite nanoparticles and crosslinking by electron irradiation are discussed along with the enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties.