Combined effect of montmorillonite Cloisite 30B and graphene nanoplatelets on high‐density polyethylene matrix under high strain rate dynamic compression

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 141; no. 34
• Main Authors: Grison, Vagner, Romanzini, Daiane, Dias, Rafael R., Pereira, Iaci M., Zattera, Ademir J., Piazza, Diego
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 10.09.2024; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Addition polymerization; applications; Compressive properties; Compressive strength; Elastic deformation; Glass transition temperature; Graphene; High density polyethylenes; High strain rate; Loss modulus; Mechanical analysis; Mechanical properties; Modulus of elasticity; Montmorillonite; Nanocomposites; Polyethylene; Polymer matrix composites; polyolefins; Split Hopkinson pressure bars; Stress-strain curves; Thermal analysis; thermal properties; Thermogravimetric analysis; Toughness; x‐ray; Yield point
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.55870

Laminated polymer composites are widely used in ballistic barriers where polyethylene can be applied. The mechanical properties of polymers can be improved with the addition of nanofillers. Therefore, this work evaluates the effect of the combination of montmorillonite Cloisite 30B (OMt) and graphene (Gr) on the dynamics compression properties obtained from a split‐Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test for nanostructured maleinized high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). The nanofillers are incorporated into the polymeric matrix in its molten state, and their dispersion is evaluated through x‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Thermal analysis, including differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis are performed. Additionally, the viscoelastic behavior of the materials is studied from the results of storage and loss modulus obtained by dynamic‐mechanical analysis. Under the SHPB test conditions, it is possible to evaluate the material stress–strain curve, identifying its yield point, compressive strength, and deformations to calculate the elastic stiffness and toughness of the material. The nanocomposite with 3% OMt and 0.75% Gr (wt.%) shows the highest average compressive strength and toughness values. Furthermore, this sample shows similar Tpeak temperature, improved crystallinity index, storage, and loss modulus, with similar glass transition temperature compared to the HDPE sample. The researchers incorporated Cloisite 30B montmorillonite clay and graphene nanoplatelets into a maleinized high‐density polyethylene matrix to evaluate the dynamic behavior of the nanocomposites in compression under high strain rates. The analyses identified an increase in the evaluated properties even with partially intercalated montmorillonite layers in the matrix, being an option for future studies as ballistic barriers.