Dynamic Behavior of Thermally Affected Injection-Molded High-Density Polyethylene Parts Modified by Accelerated...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Polyethylenes, particularly high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are widely used polymers known for processability, mechanical properties, and chemical resistance.
• A key limitation of HDPE is its low temperature stability, restricting its use in high-temperature engineering applications exceeding 100°C.
• Improving HDPE's thermal stability is crucial for expanding its application range.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of accelerated electron modification on the thermal stability and dynamic tensile behavior of high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
• To evaluate the performance of electron-beam cross-linked HDPE after repeated thermal stressing.

Main Methods:

• High-density polyethylene (HDPE) was modified using accelerated electron cross-linking.
• Modified HDPE specimens underwent five thermal stress cycles at 110°C and 160°C.
• Dynamic tensile behavior was assessed, with deformation and surface temperature captured by a high-speed infrared camera.
• Thermal analysis included differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Main Results:

• Electron beam modification positively impacted the dynamic tensile behavior of HDPE.
• The cross-linking process altered the material's response to thermal stress.
• Infrared thermography and thermal analysis provided insights into material changes.

Conclusions:

• Accelerated electron modification is an effective method for enhancing the temperature stability and dynamic tensile properties of HDPE.
• This modification broadens the potential engineering applications for HDPE in environments with elevated temperatures.
• The study demonstrates a viable pathway to overcome the thermal limitations of conventional HDPE.