The effects of nanoclay on mechanical properties of high density polyethylene and polypropylene materials

Polymeric materials find usage in most places in daily life. Expected features vary depending on the use of these materials. Composite material can be formed by combining one or more different materials. Physical and chemical properties of a new produced composite material can be improved with the addition of additives and fillers to polymer materials. The addition of additives and fillers improve one or more properties at the same time, despite that, it may lead to deteriorate another property. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the mechanical and thermal properties of these produced composite structures. This study was carried out by nanoclay addition to high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) materials. Nanoclay additions were made to the polymer matrix at mass ratios of 5% and 10%. Tensile test, tear test and the Izod impact tests were performed. It has been observed that the tensile strengths of HDPE composites decreased whereas PP composites increased with respect to the pure products. Also, the tear strengths of composites decreased compared to pure products. In the Izod impact tests, all notched specimens were broken. The values of impact strength of the PP composites were not changed in the notched Izod impact tests, whereas the HDPE composites showed a decrease. © 2018 Polish Academy of Sciences Institute of Physics. All rights reserved