Investigating the Mechanical and Thermal Performance of HDPE Composites Based on Nano-Graphite Particles

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a widely used polymer known for its excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance. This study investigated the impact of incorporating varying percentages of nano-graphene particles (NGP) into HDPE on its thermal, mechanical, and tensile properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that the addition of NGP enhanced the thermal stability and crystallization behavior of HDPE, with optimal performance observed at a 5% NGP concentration. Mechanical property evaluations indicated that small additions of NGP initially reduced zero-shear viscosity from 114,667 Pa·s to 44,045 Pa·s at 1% NGP, but higher concentrations improved the material’s rigidity and strength, with the best results at 3% NGP, where the flexural modulus reached 980 MPa. Tensile tests showed that while small amounts of NGP may decrease tensile strength from 26.4 MPa to 23.5 MPa at 1% NGP, higher concentrations significantly enhanced these properties, with tensile strength at break reaching 27 MPa and tensile elongation peaking at 20.8% at 7% NGP. The findings highlight the potential of NGP to enhance the performance of HDPE composites, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. These enhanced composites are particularly important for the bottling industry, where improved material properties can lead to lighter, stronger, and more efficient packaging solutions.