Reinforcing thermoplastic polymers with nanotubes or nanoplatelets to form composites is a way to extend the usage of polymeric materials by improving their overall properties. Further, additives to the polymers can also be useful to impart UV resistance and fire resistance. The amount, shape, dimension, aspect ratio, and surface characteristics of the reinforcements play a key role in determining the morphology, and thus, the thermo-mechanical, rheological, and flame resistance properties of the final composite. In this project, nanoparticles will be used to reinforce PE and PP; composites will be produced by compression moulding and injection moulding and tested for their mechanical and functional properties.
Undergraduate
None
CACM - Strength of Materials Lab (Newmarket 902 Lvl 3, Lab)