Thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of highly filled HDPE/graphite nanoplatelets composites

Abstract Composites of highly filled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) are fabricated using melt extrusion and influence of GNP on thermal, mechanical and electrical properties are analysed. We observed increase in Young’s modulus and enhancement in thermal stability with filler addition. On the other hand, the degree of crystallinity and melting temperature decreased with GNPs content. The incorporation of GNPs greatly decreased the electrical resistivity by 10 orders of magnitude and 400% increase in thermal conductivity for filled HDPE was also observed. Therefore, highly-filled, functional (thermally and electrically conductive) HDPE composites with excellent mechanical and thermal stability have been prepared.