Effect of Carbon Black and Silica Fume on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of High-density Polyethylene Films Used for Water Transport Pipes

Polyethylene based pipelines have drawn a good deal of attention in agricultural sectors particularly in water saving strategies to preserve natural water resources. This is more highlighted specifically in arid areas when the dearth of water could lead to serious issues. In this study, the effect of carbon black (CB) and silica fume as the reinforcing additives on mechanical and thermal properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE-PE۱۰۰) was examined. The micro/nanocomposite masterbatches of HDPE/CB and silica fume were prepared using melt mixing process utilizing a single screw extruder. The composite films were produced using a two-roller mixer. The observations revealed that the mechanical properties and in particular the tensile performance of the composites decreased with increasing the reinforcement content. The findings also indicated imperfect distribution of black carbon and silica fume within the matrix resulting in a fraction of fillers in the form of agglomeration being responsible for the decrease observed in the overall performance of the composites.

کلیدواژه ها:

polyethylene pipe ، carbon black ، silica fume ، nanocomposite