Evaluation of the addition of compatibilizer on thermal and electrical properties of HDPE/LLDPE blend-based nanocomposite with carbon nanotubes

• Grant number: 13/23882-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2014
• End date: March 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Fabio Roberto Passador
• Grantee: Caroline Martins dos Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The development of carbon materials is a challenge for the Brazilian aerospace industry. Polyethylene/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites with high thermal and mechanical properties and good processability (with the possibility to obtain products with complex geometries) become a viable alternative for aerospace applications. However, due to the nonpolar nature and low interactions between the components, it is necessary to modify the surface of the carbon nanotubes and add a compatibilizer agent. Few studies in the literature show the influence of the addition of compatibilizer agents and the effects of weathering on electrical and thermal properties of polyolefins/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites. Thus, the objective of this research project is evaluate the influence of the addition of compatibilizer and the content of carbon nanotubes on thermal and electrical properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) blend-based nanocomposites. The improvement of thermal and electrical properties of the nanocomposites, which is a fundamental requirement for applications in the aerospace sector, will be analyzed based on the influence of different blending protocols of the components and carbon nanotubes contents.