Polymers (Mar 2023)

Optimization of Polyolefin-Bonded Hydroxyapatite Graphite for Sustainable Industrial Applications

  • Ahmed A. Bakhsh

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061505
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 6
p. 1505

Abstract

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As a means of introducing environmental responsibility to industrial applications, the usage of biobased composite materials has been encouraged in recent years. Polymer nanocomposites utilize polyolefins increasingly as a matrix, owing to the diversity in their features and prospective applications, even though typical polyester blend materials, such as glass and composite materials, have garnered greater attention from researchers. The mineral hydroxy-apatite, or Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, is the primary structural component of bone and tooth enamel. Increased bone density and strength result from this procedure. As a result, nanohms are fabricated from eggshells into rods with very tiny particle sizes. Although there have been many papers written on the benefits of HA-loaded polyolefins, the reinforcing effect of HA at low loadings has not yet been taken into account. The purpose of this work was to examine the mechanical and thermal characteristics of polyolefin-HA nanocomposites. These nanocomposites were built out of HDPE and LDPE (LDPE). As an extension of this work, we investigated what would happen when HA is added to LDPE composites at concentrations as high as 40% by weight. Carbonaceous fillers, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, and exfoliated graphite, all play significant roles in nanotechnology owing to the extraordinary enhancements in their thermal, electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of adding a layered filler, such as exfoliated graphite (EG), to microwave zones that might have real-world applications for their mechanical, thermal, and electrical characteristics. Mechanical and thermal properties were significantly enhanced by the incorporation of HA, notwithstanding a minor decrease in these attributes at a loading of 40% HA by weight. A higher load-bearing capability of LLDPE matrices suggests their potential usage in biological contexts.

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