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Realizing self-reinforcement of polyethylene via high-speed shear processing

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Abstract

As one of the most representative polyolefins, polyethylene (PE) constitutes the largest consumption of thermoplastics in the world. Thus, the high-performance issue of PE, such as effective self-reinforcement, represents highly expected demand in both of academic and industrial areas. However, it induces a materials engineering challenge due to the difficulties in preparations of multiphase materials and technological complexities of processing. Here, we report a readily accessible self-reinforcement behavior of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) realized via using a commercially available technique, high-speed shear extrusion. A common grade of HDPE can be enhanced significantly for nearly 60%, depending on the rotation speed. The chromatography indicates that the molecular weight of HDPE is nearly constant after experiencing high-shearing effect. While a quasi-solid-like character is detected in the HDPE melt, which could be attributed to the increment of entanglement causing by severe mixing during extrusion. Subsequently, the enhanced entanglement enables the appearances of high orientation structure and specific crystalline morphology, which are responsible for the mechanical reinforcement observed. Our present study offers a promising avenue to access the manufacture of structural parts using polyolefin resins.

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Acknowledgements

Financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) by Grant Nos. 21574088 and 51373108 is gratefully appreciated. We also thank Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility(SSRF) for supporting the SAXS test on BL16B1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, People’s Republic of China

    Li Zhang, Chen Lu, Peng Dong & Ke Wang

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  1. Li Zhang
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  2. Chen Lu
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Correspondence to Ke Wang.

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Zhang, L., Lu, C., Dong, P. et al. Realizing self-reinforcement of polyethylene via high-speed shear processing. J Polym Res 26, 236 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-019-1899-x

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