HDPE/UHMWPE composite foams prepared by compression molding with optimized foaming capacity and mechanical properties

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 135; no. 46
• Main Authors: Sun, P., Qian, T. Y., Ji, X. Y., Wu, C., Yan, Y. S., Qi, R. R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 10.12.2018; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: compression molding; Crosslinking; Density; Dicumyl peroxide; Foaming agents; foaming capacity; HDPE/UHMWPE composite foams; High density polyethylenes; Materials science; Mechanical properties; Melt temperature; Morphology; Organic chemistry; Physical properties; Plastic foam; Polyethylene; Polymers; Pressure molding; Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.46768

ABSTRACT High‐density polyethylene (HDPE) foams have attracted increasing interest because of their excellent toughness, chemical stability, and low cost. However, the low melt strength and narrow foaming window usually lead to poor foaming capacity and performances prepared by compression molding under high temperature for HDPE. Herein, ultra high‐molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is used to improve the melt strength, melting temperature, mechanical properties, and foaming capacity of HDPE. The HDPE/UHMWPE composite foams are fabricated by the single‐stage compression molding with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a crosslinking agent and azodicarbonamide (ADC) as a foaming agent. The effects of UHMWPE, DCP, and ADC on the cellular morphology, foaming density, and mechanical properties have also been investigated. The results show that UHMWPE can enhance the foaming capacity and physical properties of HDPE and make it feasible to prepare HDPE foams with a wide density range just by adjusting the content of foaming agent. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46768. Herein, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is added into high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix to improve the melt strength, melting temperature, mechanical properties and foaming capacity of HDPE. The results show that the incorporation of UHMWPE can enhance the foaming capacity and physical properties of HDPE, and make it feasible to prepare the uniform HDPE foams with a wide density range.