Application of the essential work of fracture method in ranking the performance in service of high-density polyethylene resins employed in pressure pipes

High-density polyethylene resins have increasingly been used in the production of pipes for water- and gas-pressurized distribution systems and are expected to remain in service for several years, but they eventually fail prematurely by creep fracture. Usual standard methods used to rank resins in terms of their resistance to fracture are expensive and non-practical for quality control purposes, justifying the search for alternative methods. Essential work of fracture (EWF) method provides a relatively simple procedure to characterize the fracture behavior of ductile polymers, such as polyethylene resins. In the present work, six resins were analyzed using the EWF methodology. The results show that the plastic work dissipation factor, beta w(p), is the most reliable parameter to evaluate the performance. Attention must be given to specimen preparation that might result in excessive dispersion in the results, especially for the essential work of fracture w(e).

Investigation of High Density Polyethylene Pipe for Highway Applications, HR-373, Phase 1, 1996

In the past, culvert pipes were made only of corrugated metal or reinforced concrete. In recent years, several manufacturers have made pipe of lightweight plastic - for example, high density polyethylene (HDPE) - which is considered to be viscoelastic in its structural behavior. It appears that there are several highway applications in which HDPE pipe would be an economically favorable alternative. However, the newness of plastic pipe requires the evaluation of its performance, integrity, and durability; A review of the Iowa Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Highway and Bridge Construction reveals limited information on the use of plastic pipe for state projects. The objective of this study was to review and evaluate the use of HDPE pipe in roadway applications. Structural performance, soil-structure interaction, and the sensitivity of the pipe to installation was investigated. Comprehensive computerized literature searches were undertaken to define the state-of-the-art in the design and use of HDPE pipe in highway applications. A questionnaire was developed and sent to all Iowa county engineers to learn of their use of HDPE pipe. Responses indicated that the majority of county engineers were aware of the product but were not confident in its ability to perform as well as conventional materials. Counties currently using HDPE pipe in general only use it in driveway crossings. Originally, we intended to survey states as to their usage of HDPE pipe. However, a few weeks after initiation of the project, it was learned that the Tennessee DOT was in the process of making a similar survey of state DOT's. Results of the Tennessee survey of states have been obtained and included in this report. In an effort to develop more confidence in the pipe's performance parameters, this research included laboratory tests to determine the ring and flexural stiffness of HDPE pipe provided by various manufacturers. Parallel plate tests verified all specimens were in compliance with ASTM specifications. Flexural testing revealed that pipe profile had a significant effect on the longitudinal stiffness and that strength could not be accurately predicted on the basis of diameter alone. Realizing that the soil around a buried HDPE pipe contributes to the pipe stiffness, the research team completed a limited series of tests on buried 3 ft-diameter HDPE pipe. The tests simulated the effects of truck wheel loads above the pipe and were conducted with two feet of cover. These tests indicated that the type and quality of backfill significantly influences the performance of HDPE pipe. The tests revealed that the soil envelope does significantly affect the performance of HDPE pipe in situ, and after a certain point, no additional strength is realized by increasing the quality of the backfill.

Studies on the Rheology and the Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Elastomer from Latex Product Waste and High Density Polyethylene

Latex waste products contain rubber hydrocarbon of very high quality, which is only lightly cross linked. Selected wastes such as thread waste and glove waste were modified into processable materials by a novel economic process and thermoplastic elastomers were prepared by blending these modified waste materials with high density polyethylene in various proportions. The mechanical properties as well as the rheological behaviour of these blends were evaluated and compared with those of the natural rubber-high density polyethylene blends.

Rice husk ash – A valuable reinforcement for high density polyethylene

This paper presents the results of a study on the use of rice husk ash (RHA) for property modification of high density polyethylene (HDPE). Rice husk is a waste product of the rice processing industry. It is used widely as a fuel which results in large quantities of RHA. Here, the characterization of RHA has been done with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICPAES), light scattering based particle size analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Most reports suggest that RHA when blended directly with polymers without polar groups does not improve the properties of the polymer substantially. In this study RHA is blended with HDPE in the presence of a compatibilizer. The compatibilized HDPE-RHA blend has a tensile strength about 18% higher than that of virgin HDPE. The elongation-at-break is also higher for the compatibilized blend. TGA studies reveal that uncompatibilized as well as compatibilized HDPERHA composites have excellent thermal stability. The results prove that RHA is a valuable reinforcing material for HDPE and the environmental pollution arising from RHA can be eliminated in a profitable way by this technique.

Modification of Polypropylene/High Density Polyethylene Blend Using Nanokaolinite Clay and E-Glass Fibre: Preparation, Characterization and Micromechanical Modelling

Upgrading two widely used standard plastics, polypropylene (PP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE), and generating a variety of useful engineering materials based on these blends have been the main objective of this study. Upgradation was effected by using nanomodifiers and/or fibrous modifiers. PP and HDPE were selected for modification due to their attractive inherent properties and wide spectrum of use. Blending is the engineered method of producing new materials with tailor made properties. It has the advantages of both the materials. PP has high tensile and flexural strength and the HDPE acts as an impact modifier in the resultant blend. Hence an optimized blend of PP and HDPE was selected as the matrix material for upgradation. Nanokaolinite clay and E-glass fibre were chosen for modifying PP/HDPE blend. As the first stage of the work, the mechanical, thermal, morphological, rheological, dynamic mechanical and crystallization characteristics of the polymer nanocomposites prepared with PP/HDPE blend and different surface modified nanokaolinite clay were analyzed. As the second stage of the work, the effect of simultaneous inclusion of nanokaolinite clay (both N100A and N100) and short glass fibres are investigated. The presence of nanofiller has increased the properties of hybrid composites to a greater extent than micro composites. As the last stage, micromechanical modeling of both nano and hybrid A composite is carried out to analyze the behavior of the composite under load bearing conditions. These theoretical analyses indicate that the polymer-nanoclay interfacial characteristics partially converge to a state of perfect interfacial bonding (Takayanagi model) with an iso-stress (Reuss IROM) response. In the case of hybrid composites the experimental data follows the trend of Halpin-Tsai model. This implies that matrix and filler experience varying amount of strain and interfacial adhesion between filler and matrix and also between the two fillers which play a vital role in determining the modulus of the hybrid composites.A significant observation from this study is that the requirement of higher fibre loading for efficient reinforcement of polymers can be substantially reduced by the presence of nanofiller together with much lower fibre content in the composite. Hybrid composites with both nanokaolinite clay and micron sized E-glass fibre as reinforcements in PP/HDPE matrix will generate a novel class of high performance, cost effective engineering material.

Determination of volatile organic compounds in recycled polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene by headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry to evaluate the efficiency of recycling processes

A method for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in recycled polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene using headspace sampling by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detection is presented. This method was used to evaluate the efficiency of cleaning processes for VOC removal from recycled PET. In addition, the method was also employed to evaluate the level of VOC contamination in multilayer packaging material containing recycled HDPE material. The optimisation of the extraction procedure for volatile compounds was performed and the best extraction conditions were found using a 75 mu m carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (CAR-PDMS) fibre for 20 min at 60 degrees C. The validation parameters for the established method were linear range, linearity, sensitivity, precision (repeatability), accuracy (recovery) and detection and quantification limits. The results indicated that the method could easily be used in quality control for the production of recycled PET and HDPE. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The role of chain scission and chain branching in high density polyethylene during thermo-mechanical degradation

The mechanical and thermo-oxidative degradation of high density polyethylene (HDPE) was measured in a twin-screw extruder using various processing conditions. Two types of HDPE, Phillips and Ziegler-Natta, having different levels of terminal vinyl unsaturation were analysed. Mild screw profiles, having mainly conveying elements, have short mean residence times then profiles with kneading discs and left hand elements. Carbonyl and traps-vinylene group concentrations increased, whereas vinyl group concentration decreased with number of extrusions. Higher temperature profiles intensified these effects. The thermo-mechanical degradation mechanism begins with chain scission in the longer chains due to their higher probability of entanglements. These macroradicals then react with the vinyl terminal unsaturations of other chains producing chain branching. Shorter chains are more mobile, not suffering scission but instead are used for grafting the macroradicals, increasing the molecular weight. Increase in the levels of extrusion temperature, shear and vinyl end groups content facilitates the thermo-mechanical degradation reducing the amount of both, longer chains via chain scission and shorter chains via chain branching, narrowing the polydispersity. Phillips HDPE produces a higher level of chain branching than does the Ziegler-Natta type. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Philips and Ziegler-Natta high-density polyethylene degradation during processing in an internal mixer using the chain scission and branching distribution function analysis

The oxidative and thermo-mechanical degradation of HDPE was studied during processing in an internal mixer under two conditions: totally and partially filled chambers, which provides lower and higher concentrations of oxygen, respectively. Two types of HDPEs, Phillips and Ziegler-Natta, having different levels of terminal vinyl unsaturations were analyzed. Materials were processed at 160, 200, and 240 degrees C. Standard rheograrns using a partially filled chamber showed that the torque is much more unstable in comparison to a totally filled chamber which provides an environment depleted of oxygen. Carbonyl and transvinylene group concentrations increased, whereas vinyl group concentration decreased with temperature and oxygen availability. Average number of chain scission and branching (n(s)) was calculated from MWD curves and its plotting versus functional groups' concentration showed that chain scission or branching takes place depending upon oxygen content and vinyl groups' consumption. Chain scission and branching distribution function (CSBDF) values showed that longer chains undergo chain scission easier than shorter ones due to their higher probability of entanglements. This yields macroradicals that react with the vinyl terminal unsaturations of other chains producing chain branching. Shorter chains are more mobile, not suffering scission but instead are used for grafting the macroradicals, increasing the molecular weight. Increase in the oxygen concentration, temperature, and vinyl end groups' content facilitates the thermo-mechanical degradation reducing the amount of both, longer chains via chain scission and shorter chains via chain branching, narrowing the polydispersity. Phillips HDPE produces a higher level of chain branching than the Ziegler-Natta's type at the same processing condition. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Kinetic evaluation of the pyrolysis of high density polyethylene over H-AlMCM-41 material

The AlMCM-41 material with Si/Al=50 was synthesized by hydrothermal method, using cethyltrimethylammonium as template. The protonic H-AlMCM-41 acid form was obtained by ion exchange with ammonium chloride solution and subsequent calcination. The characterization of the material by several techniques showed that a good-quality MCM-41 material was obtained. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been submitted to thermal degradation alone, and in presence of the exchanged H-AlMCM-41 catalyst at a concentration of 1: 1 in mass (H-AlMCM-41/HDPE). The reactor was connected on line to a gas chromatograph connected to a mass spectrometer. This process was evaluated by thermogravimetry (TG), from 350 to 600degreesC, under helium dynamic atmosphere, with heating rates of 5.0; 10.0 and 20.0 degreesC/min. From TG curves, the activation energy, calculated using a multiple heating rate integral kinetic method, decreased from 225.5 KJ.mol(-1), for the pure polymer (HDPE), to 184.7 KJ.mol(-1), in the presence of the catalyst (H-AlMCM-41/HDPE).

Synthesis and properties of branched polyethylene/high-density polyethylene blends using a homogeneous binary catalyst system composed of early and late transition metal complexes

Branched polyethylene/high-density polyethylene blends (BPE/HDPE) with a wide range of molecular weights, melt flow indexes (MFI), and intrinsic viscosity were prepared using the homogeneous binary catalyst system composed by Ni(alpha-diimine)Cl-2 (1) (alpha-diimine = 1,4-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-acenaphthenediimine) and {Tp(Ms*)} TiCl3 (2) (Tp(Ms*)=hydridobis(3-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)(5-mesityl-pyrazol-1-yl)) activated with MAO and/or TIBA in hexane at two different polymerization temperatures (30 and 55 degreesC) and by varying the nickel loading molar fraction (x(Ni)). At all Temperatures, a non-linear correlation between the x(Ni) and the productivity was observed, suggesting the occurrence of a synergistic effect between the nickel and the titanium catalyst precursors, which is more pronounced at 55 degreesC. The molecular weight of the BPE/HDPE blends considerably decreases with increasing Al/M molar ratio. The melt flow indexes (MFI) and intrinsic viscosities (eta) are strongly affected by x(Ni), but the melting temperatures are nearly constant, 132 +/- 3 degreesC. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) shows the formation of different polymeric materials where the stiffness vanes according, to the x(Ni) and temperature used in the polymerization reaction. The surface morphology of the BPE/HDPE blends studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a low miscibility between the PE phases resulting in the formation of a sandwich structure after etching with o-xylene.

Influence of the degradation on the stress cracking values of high density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes after different exposures

This paper presents results from stress cracking (SC) tests performed in both fresh and exposed high density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes (GM). The HDPE GMs were exposed to ultraviolet radiation, thermal aging (air oven) and tested for chemical compatibility with sodium hydroxide. Stress cracking tests in both fresh and degraded samples were performed in accordance to ASTM D5397: Notched Constant Tensile Load Test (NCTL) and Single Point-Notched Constant Tensile Load Test (SP-NCTL). The results of the NCTL showed that the geomembrane degradation process can be considered to be a catalyst for the phenomenon of SC because it caused a 50% to 60% reduction in stress crack resistance. The most resistance reduction was observed for the sample under chemical compatibility with sodium hydroxide. For the SP-NCTL, the results showed that the samples maintain the same trend verified in the NCTL. The largest resistance reduction was evidenced in samples undergoing ultraviolet degradation. © 2012 ejge.

Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) after different exposures of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly vinyl chloride (PVC) geomembranes

This paper presents the results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests in PVC (1.0; 2.0 mm) and HDPE (0.8; 2.5 mm) geomembranes exposed to weathering and leachate after 30 months. The aim of this paper is the comparison of fresh and exposed samples to assess the degradation process concerning the total loss of mass of geomembranes. The exposure was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of ASTM standards. The TGA tests were carried out according to ASTM D6370 and E2105. Results show, for instance, that for PVC geomembrane the largest reductions of plasticizers occurred for samples exposed to weathering. The loss of plasticizers after the exposure contributed to the decrease of deformation and consequent increase in stiffness. TGA tests shows to be a valuable tool to control the quality of the materials. © 2012 ejge.

Characterization of high density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced with banana peel fibers

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The Effects of Weathering Exposure on the Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of High-density Polyethylene and Poly (Vinyl Chloride)

This paper presents results describing the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties (melt flow index - MFI and oxidative induction time - OIT) of high density polyethylene and poly (vinyl chloride) after weathering exposure (6, 12, 18, and 30 months). The materials exposed were geomembranes of two thicknesses: 1.0 and 2.0 mm (PVC) and 0.8 and 2.5 mm (HDPE). The climate parameters (average) obtained were 25 degrees C (temperature), 93 mm (precipitation), 66% (relative humidity), and 19 MJ/m(2). day (intensity of global radiation). Some results showed, for instance, that the behavior of the geomembranes changed after the exposures. A few minor variations in physical properties occurred. The density and thickness, for instance, varied 0.5-1.0% (average) for both the PVC and HDPE geomembranes. The mechanical properties changed as a function of the period of exposure. In general, some decreases were verified by the deformation of PVC. The samples became more rigid. In contrast, HDPE geomembranes became more ductile. Despite the variations in elasticity, some increases in deformability were verified. An MFI test showed some degradation in HDPE geomembranes. OIT tests revealed small values for both intact and exposed samples.

Effect of pulse repetition rate and number of pulses in the analysis of polypropylene and high density polyethylene by nanosecond infrared laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Pulse repetition rates and the number of laser pulses are among the most important parameters that do affect the analysis of solid materials by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, and the knowledge of their effects is of fundamental importance for suggesting analytical strategies when dealing with laser ablation processes of polymers. In this contribution, the influence of these parameters in the ablated mass and in the features of craters was evaluated in polypropylene and high density polyethylene plates containing pigment-based PbCrO4. Surface characterization and craters profile were carried out by perfilometry and scanning electron microscopy. Area, volume and profile of craters were obtained using Taylor Map software. A laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system consisted of a Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 5 ns) and an Echelle spectrometer equipped with ICCD detector were used. The evaluated operating conditions consisted of 10, 25 and 50 laser pulses at 1, 5 and 10 Hz, 250 mJ/pulse (85 J cm(-2)), 2 mu s delay time and 6 mu s integration time gate. Differences in the topographical features among craters of both polymers were observed. The decrease in the repetition rate resulted in irregular craters and formation of edges, especially in polypropylene sample. The differences in the topographical features and ablated masses were attributed to the influence of the degree of crystallinity, crystalline melting temperature and glass transition temperature in the ablation process of the high density polyethylene and polypropylene. It was also observed that the intensities of chromium and lead emission signals obtained at 10 Hz were two times higher than at 5 Hz by keeping the number of laser pulses constant. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.