Thermo‐oxidative aging of high‐density polyethylene reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of aging on the properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced with multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Nanocomposites were prepared with nanotubes at 0, 1, 3, and 5 wt%. The long‐term durability of the prepared materials was evaluated by thermo‐oxidative aging test. Test bodies were aged at 110°C for up to 10 weeks. The nanocomposites were characterized by differential scanning calometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), 13C‐NMR, elongation at break, and transmission electron microscopy. The aging mainly occurred on the surface of the samples and the neat HDPE showed a strong yellowing after the aging. A strong reduction in elongation at break was seen. For neat HDPE, the elongation at break was reduced from roughly 1400–25%. When HDPE was reinforced with the nanotubes, the reduction was less dramatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]