FLUIDIZED BED POLYMER PARTICLE ALD TM PROCESS FOR PRODUCING HDPE/ALUMINA NANOCOMPOSITES

Micron-sized High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) particles were coated with ultrathin alumina (Al2O3) films in a Fluidized Bed Reactor (FBR) by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) at 77 oC. Fluidization of HDPE particles were achieved at reduced pressure with the assistance of stirring or vibration. Al2O3 films on the HDPE particles were confirmed by different methods. These particles were extruded conventionally with the ceramic shells mixing intimately in the polymer matrix. The successful dispersion of the crushed Al2O3 shells in the polymer matrix following extrusion was confirmed.