engleski

The influence of UV ageing on the properties of low density polyethylene/hematite composites

Polymer composites with hematite (α-Fe2O3) may exhibit many improved properties in comparison to the pure polymer, especially if the fine dispersion of non-aggregated particles is achieved.[1] This study determines the efficiency of hematite's particles of different size in the protection of low density polyethylene (LDPE) from UV radiation-induced degradation. The work also evaluates the effect of hematite mass fraction (0.25, 0.5 and 1 %) on the properties of polyethylene matrix. Two types of hematite particles with well-defined cubic shape and uniform size were used: HC1 (average size of about 2 μm) and HC2 (average size of about 1 μm). Prepared polyethylene/hematite composites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FTIR spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance UV-Vis- NIR spectroscopy. The water vapour permeability of the composite samples is also determined. In comparison with a pure polyethylene, the results show that such composites have improved all mentioned properties (thermal, UV/VIS absorption and vapor permeability) especially the composites with hematite HC2 due to its fine particles (lower size than hematite HC1) and large surface. Hematite can be used as UV blocking agent for polyethylene. Obtained results reveal that such composites may be a promising material for wide range of applications.

hematite ; polyethylene ; polymer composites ; UV ageing

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