The Effect of MWCNT on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of HDPE/MWCNT Nanocomposite

In this study the developmnet of a method for the preparation of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites based on high energy ball milling (HEBM) with consequent improvement of the electrical and mechanical properties of the samples was aimed. In this regard, HEBM was used as an innovative process to incorporate MWCNTs into the HDPE matrix at room temperature without any solvents, ultrasonication, chemical modification or physical treatment of the nanotubes. HDPE/MWCNT nanocomposites with 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 wt% of MWCNTs were prepared. After that, the effect of MWCNT loading on the mechanical and electrical properties of the nanocomposites was investigated. MWCNT/HDPE nanocomposites showed a significant increase in electrical conductivity with increasing MWCNT loading and a percolation threshold of about 3 wt% was obtained. The volume resistance of HDPE was decreased 8 orders of magnitude, from 1017 to 109 Ω.cm. Tensile test also showed 48% increase in the Young’s modulus (from 722.19 MPa to 1066.4 MPa), increase in yield stress from 8.65 to 9.13 MPa and ultimate tensile strength from 19.67 to 22.1 MPa due to 5-10 wt% addition of MWCNT into the HDPE.