Effect of processing techniques on the microstructure and mechanical performance of high‐density polyethylene

Edgar Mejia, Nizamudeen Cherupurakal, Abdel Hamid I. Mourad, Sultan Al Hassanieh, Mohamed Rabia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The versatility of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) makes it one of the most used polymers for vast applications ranging from food packaging to human implants. However, there still is confusion regarding the proper selection of processing techniques to produce HDPE specimens for high‐end applications. Herein, we compare the processing of HDPE by two relevant techniques: compression and injection molding. The fabricated samples were studied using uniaxial tensile testing to determine their mechanical performance. Furthermore, the microstructure of samples was analyzed using different characterization techniques. Compression‐molded specimens recorded a higher degree of crystallinity (DC) using two different characterization techniques such as differen-tial scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). With this information, critical processing factors were determined, and a general structure–property relationship was established. It was demonstrated that having a higher DC resulted in higher yield strength and Young’s modulus. Furthermore, premature failure was observed in the injection‐molded specimens, resulting in lower mechanical performance. This premature failure was caused due to flow marks observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Therefore, it is concluded that compression molding produces superior samples compared to injection molding.

Original languageEnglish
Article number3346
JournalPolymers
Volume13
Issue number19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 1 2021

Keywords

  • Compression molding
  • High‐density polyethylene
  • Injection molding
  • Mechanical properties
  • Microstructure

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of processing techniques on the microstructure and mechanical performance of high‐density polyethylene'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this