Effects of conductive graphite filler loading on physical properties of high-density polyethylene composite

Abstract

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)/graphite nanocomposites containing up to 30 vol% of graphite powder filler were prepared by melt mixing in a Brabender Plasticorder at 180 degrees C for 15 min. The nanocomposites were characterized for their rheological, dynamic mechanical, crystallographic, and electrical properties as a function of graphite loading. The results indicated that graphite loading affects storage modulus, loss modulus, complex viscosity, and conductivity of HDPE matrix. The storage modulus increases while the graphite loading increases in the studied concentration range (up to 30%). When the graphite loading was increased to 30%, storage modulus at room temperature was about 300% higher than that of pure HDPE. Also, the composites containing 20 and 30% graphite shows more conductivity than the others. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. (C) 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers