Tuning of HDPE Properties for 3D Printing

Abstract

The objective of this study is to improve high density polyethylene (HDPE) properties for 3D printing by addition of graphene and low density polyethylene (LDPE). Graphene was prepared by modified Hummer’s method. The prepared graphene was characterized by the infrared spectroscopy and the X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Graphene/HDPE and LDPE/HDPE composites were successfully prepared through the melt-blending technique using a twin-screw extruder. The melt flow index (MFI) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to characterize neat HDPE and the modified HDPE. FTIR and XRD results show that graphite was successfully changed into graphene completely and MFI of graphene/HDPE and LDPE/HDPE decreased as the amount of graphene and LDPE in the composite blends increased. DSC results show that the addition of low crystalline polymers can reduce a crystallization temperature and crystallinity content.