Testing the applicability of LDPE/HNT composites for cable core insulation

Publication date: September 2019Source: Polymer Testing, Volume 78Author(s): R. Polanský, P. Kadlec, P. Slepička, Z. Kolská, V. ŠvorčíkAbstractComposites prepared from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and tubular halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with different contents of HNTs were comprehensively tested. HNTs were utilized to suppress the intensity of heat release from the ignition of LDPE. The results revealed that the large polarity discrepancies and high levels of chemical inertness of LDPE and HNTs led to a reduced level of HNT dispersion in the polymer matrix. Nevertheless, even for small quantities of HNTs, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the decrease in the intensity of heat release during the LDPE/HNT thermal decomposition. Mechanical tests demonstrated that the presence of HNTs did not significantly influence the yield strength but did contribute to toughening of the LDPE matrix. Measurement of the dielectric properties revealed that the presence of HNTs also contributes to an increase in the number of permanent dipoles and charge carriers. However, the non-polar nature of the LDPE matrix can effectively suppress this disadvantage.
Source: Polymer Testing - Category: Chemistry Source Type: research