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HDPE/UHMWPE composite foams prepared by compression molding with optimized foaming capacity and mechanical properties
Author(s) -
Sun P.,
Qian T. Y.,
Ji X. Y.,
Wu C.,
Yan Y. S.,
Qi R. R.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.46768
Subject(s) - high density polyethylene , materials science , composite material , compression molding , composite number , molding (decorative) , polyethylene , foaming agent , toughness , ultra high molecular weight polyethylene , mold , porosity
High‐density polyethylene (HDPE) foams have attracted increasing interest because of their excellent toughness, chemical stability, and low cost. However, the low melt strength and narrow foaming window usually lead to poor foaming capacity and performances prepared by compression molding under high temperature for HDPE. Herein, ultra high‐molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is used to improve the melt strength, melting temperature, mechanical properties, and foaming capacity of HDPE. The HDPE/UHMWPE composite foams are fabricated by the single‐stage compression molding with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a crosslinking agent and azodicarbonamide (ADC) as a foaming agent. The effects of UHMWPE, DCP, and ADC on the cellular morphology, foaming density, and mechanical properties have also been investigated. The results show that UHMWPE can enhance the foaming capacity and physical properties of HDPE and make it feasible to prepare HDPE foams with a wide density range just by adjusting the content of foaming agent. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135 , 46768.