Effect of Algerian Halloysite on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Starch-Grafted-Polyethylene Nanocomposites

Key Engineering Materials 2018
W. Fermas, Remo Merijs-Meri, M. Kaci, Jānis Zicāns

This paper deals with the characterization of the physico-mechanical properties of starch-grafted-polyethylene (Starch-g-PE)/unmodified Algerian halloysite nanotubes (HNT) nanocomposites prepared by melt compounding. The nanoclay was incorporated at various filler contents, i.e., 1.5, 3 and 5 wt%. Rheological and tensile properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated by different techniques and the results obtained are compared with those of virgin Starch-g-PE matrix. The study shows a decrease in melt flow index (MFI) values upon increasing the HNT content, which indicates a restriction in the polymer chains mobility due to the confinement effect of HNT. Further, a tensile strength is also improved.

Keywords
Halloysite nanotubes, Nanocomposites, Starch, Starch-grafted-polyethylene, Tensile properties, Unmodified halloysite
DOI
10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.762.192
Hyperlink
https://www.scientific.net/KEM.762.192

Fermas, W., Merijs-Meri, R., Kaci, M., Zicāns, J. Effect of Algerian Halloysite on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Starch-Grafted-Polyethylene Nanocomposites. In: Key Engineering Materials, Latvia, Riga, 20-20 October, 2017. Switzerland: Trans Tech Publications Inc., 2018, pp.192-196. ISSN 1662-9787. Available from: doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.762.192

Publication language
English (en)