Investigation of Thermal Fatigue Behavior for HDPE Composites Reinforced by Nano Alumina

Abstract

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) like other thermoplastics has low mechanical properties which limits its range of applications, especially under the influence of dynamic loads and high temperatures. Therefore, as one of the highly attractive approaches for improving mechanical properties, nanomaterials have been used as reinforcement materials in polymer matrix composite. The present study focuses on the role of nanomaterials on the mechanical properties and fatigue resistance of high-density polyethylene reinforced with (1, 2, and 3%) nano alumina oxide at a range of testing temperatures between 20 and 60ºC. The results manifested that the addition of nano alumina oxide improves the strength of base polyethylene and increases the fatigue resistance by (63.7%, 146.5%, and 228.4%), (69.25, 163.5 and 202.8) and (94%, 214.8% and 290.3) at (20. 40 and 60°C), respectively in cooperation with the pure high-density polyethylene. In addition, as the applied testing temperature increases, the fatigue resistance in all test specimens decreases. It was found that the highest fatigue resistance occurred at (HDPE+3%Al2O3) composite due to the good distribution of nano Al2O3 within the HDPE base which led to a better crack propagation prevention than other composites.

Keywords

• thermal fatigue
• hdpe
• nano alumina oxide
• high cycle fatigue