Dynamic rheology and morphology of HDPE-fumed silica composites: Effect of interface modification

Highly Efficient and Eco-Friendly Thermal-Neutron-Shielding Materials Based on Recycled High-Density Polyethylene and Gadolinium Oxide Composites

Due to the increasing demands for improved radiation safety and the growing concerns regarding the excessive use of plastics, this work aimed to develop effective and eco-friendly thermal-neutron-shielding materials based on recycled high-density polyethylene (r-HDPE) composites containing varying surface-treated gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) contents (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%). The results indicate that the overall thermal-neutron-shielding properties of the r-HDPE composites were enhanced with the addition of Gd2O3, as evidenced by large reductions in I/I0, HVL, and TVL, as well as the substantial increases in ∑t and ∑t/ρ of the composites. Furthermore, the results reveal that the values for tensile properties initially increased up to 5-15 wt% of Gd2O3 and then gradually decreased at higher contents. In addition, the results show that the addition of Gd2O3 particles generally increased the density (ρ), the remaining ash at 600 °C, and the degree of crystallinity (%XC) of the composites. This work also determined the effects of gamma irradiation on relevant properties of the composites. The findings indicate that following gamma aging, the tensile modulus slightly increased, while the tensile strength, elongation at break, and hardness (Shore D) showed no significant (p < 0.05) differences, except for the sample containing 5 wt% of Gd2O3, which exhibited a noticeable reduction in elongation at break. Furthermore, by comparing the neutron-shielding and mechanical properties of the developed r-HDPE composites with common borated polyethylene (PE) containing 5 wt% and 15 wt% of boron, the results clearly indicate the superior shielding and tensile properties in the r-HDPE composites, implying the great potential of r-HDPE composites to replace virgin plastics as effective and more eco-friendly shielding materials.

Enhanced cluster order-disorder transition-induced dilatancy in silane-functionalized nanosilica colloids

Herein, we report a novel nanosilica-based shear-thickening fluid, whose shear-thickening performance has been largely augmented by surface functionalizing silica employing silane chains. The functionalized shear-thickening colloids were transparent; this suggested that they have promise for application. An enhancement in viscosity was observed by over an order of magnitude by the usage of functionalized particles, which could be explained on the basis of enhanced hydroclustering and an order-to-disorder transition of the particles due to physical bonding of the silane with the base polymer. It was also observed that the shear-thickening behavior was grossly modified due to the presence of the functionalized nanoparticles. Oscillatory analysis showed that the functionalized colloids exhibited an improved dynamic response, with enhanced elastic behavior under variant strain and frequency conditions. Additionally, impact resistance tests revealed that the thickening of the viscosity upon impact was augmented by over an order of magnitude; this established these functionalized colloids as excellent candidates for liquid armors. The viscoelastic behavior was modeled based on the Cox-Merz formalism. Additionally, three-element viscoelastic modeling was performed, and it was observed that while the silica-based colloids conformed to the predominantly viscous model, the functionalized system transited to a predominantly elastic model. The present article can have important implications for the design and engineering of shear-thickening fluids employing nanomaterials.

HDPE/UHMWPE hybrid nanocomposites with surface functionalized graphene oxide towards improved strength and cytocompatibility

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composites with carbonaceous reinforcements are being widely investigated for biomedical applications. The enhancement of material properties critically depends on the nature, amount and compatibility of the reinforcement with the polymeric matrix. To this end, this study demonstrates the efficacy of a 'dual' hybrid approach of incorporating modified inorganic nanofiller into an optimized polyethylene blend. In particular, a unique synthesis strategy was adopted to design a covalently bonded maleated polyethylene (mPE) grafted modified graphene oxide (mGO) hybrid nanocomposite. In this scheme, polyethyleneimine (PEI) was initially attached onto GO to synthesize amine functionalized GO (GO-PEI). This is followed by mPE grafting, resulting in mGO. Melt-extrusion together with injection moulding of a polymer mix (60% HDPE-40% UHMWPE) with different proportions (less than or equal to 3 wt%) of surface functionalized GO was conducted to develop nanocomposites of different sizes and shapes. When compared with unreinforced PE blend, the nanocomposites with 1 wt% mGO exhibited an increase in ultimate tensile strength by 120% (up to 65 MPa) and elastic modulus by 40% (up to 908 MPa). The uniform dispersion of modified GO nanofillers, confirmed using X-ray micro-computed tomography and transmission electron microscopy, facilitated effective interfacial adhesion and compatibility with the hybrid polymer matrix. The variation in mechanical properties with GO/mGO addition to PE blend was critically discussed in reference to the structural modification of GO, crystallinity and nature of dispersion of fillers. Importantly, the nanocomposites support the attachment and proliferation of C2C12 murine myoblast cells over 3 days in culture in a statistically insignificant manner with respect to polymer blends without any nanofiller. Taken together, the experimental results suggest that HDPE/UHMWPE/mGO is a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering applications.

Rheological Behavior of Renewable Polyethylene (HDPE) Composites and Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) Residue

The present study reports the results of rheological behavior of renewable composites, based on a matrix of high density polyethylene (HDPE), made from ethanol distilled from sugarcane, and lignocellulose filler from waste generated in the processing of sponge gourds for bathing use. The composites were prepared with 10, 20, 30, and 40%wt of filler in a twin-screw extruder. The materials were analyzed in a parallel plate rheometer and a melt-flow indexer. The composite morphology was determined by scanning electron microscopy. The composite viscosity increased with filler content, suggesting possible formation of filler agglomerates. This result was confirmed by Cole-Cole diagrams.