Thermal properties of low-density polyethylene/ALPHA- alumina nanocomposites

Abstract

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposites with alumina as filler were prepared by melt intercalation process by using Haake Rheomix at 125°C for 12 min followed by compression moulding. Prior to blending of the alumina with LDPE, alumina particles were dispersed by using ultrasonication process. Surfactant was used to modify the alumina surface in order to enhance the interaction between alumina and LDPE. The melting temperature and crystallinity of nanocomposites were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Studies on dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were made to follow the changes in dynamic mechanical properties upon addition of nanoalumina to LDPE. Thermal stability of the nanocomposites was studied by using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found that the crystallinity and melting temperature of LDPE/alumina decreased with the increase in alumina content. The results on TGA and DMA analysis revealed that the thermal stability of LDPE improved with the addition of alumina particle.