Dispersion strengthened HDPE-Graphene Oxide nanocomposite

Nowadays, polymers are ubiquitous and are considered to play a significant role in reshaping our world. High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) is one of the widely used polymers in terms of usage and production scales. By looking at ways to improve its performance dispersion strengthening is found to be one promising route. Dispersion of Nano-fillers in the polymer matrix significantly augments the properties. The present work, aims at developing Graphene Oxide (GO) dispersed polymer matrix composite system. In this regard, Nano Graphene oxide powder was synthesized by using Tour's method. The ultra-sonicated GO particles were used as a precursor for composite preparation. HDPE GO Nano-Composite processing was done by the solvent method of direct mixing and by using injection moulding technique. Hardness and wear resistance characterisations were performed for the HDPE and HDPE-GO nanocomposites. It has been observed that the results are in par with the expected outcome with a multifold increase in wear resistance and a slight improvement of hardness in comparison to HDPE. (author)