Development and performance of graphene oxide reinforced LDPE nanocomposite polymers for 3D printing

Abstract

This study evaluated the mechanical properties and the chemical and thermal characteristics of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposites reinforced with graphene oxide for manufacturing via 3D printing. LDPE nanocomposites with different graphene oxide (GO) loadings (0.5% and 1.5%) were processed by a single-screw extruder. To characterize the pre-injected material, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal characterization with thermogravimetry (TGA) were used. The injected material was also characterized with mechanical impact and traction tests. The results showed that incorporating GO into the polymeric matrix added hydroxyl groups to the matrix structure, with a 39.13% increase in Young's modulus for LDPE-1.5%wtGO samples. Mechanical tests of 3D printed samples showed that, with an increase in the amount of GO in the polymer matrix, the composite loses ductility, enabling its use in 3D printing technologies and thus encouraging new studies on printed materials for various applications.

Keywords:
low-density polyethylene (LDPE); graphene oxide (GO); 3D printing