Dynamic rheological and structural characterization of reversibly crosslinked HDPE composites reinforced with polyethylene terephthalate fibers and graphene
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Pdf
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Author |
R. Nemri, S. Bouhelal, E. Roumeli, K. Chrissafis and D. Bikiaris
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e-ISSN |
1819-6608 |
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On Pages
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341-353
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Volume No. |
21
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Issue No. |
6
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Issue Date |
May 20, 2026
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DOI |
https://doi.org/10.59018/032643
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Keywords |
reversible crosslinking reaction (RXR), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, polymer composites, dynamic rheological analysis.
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Abstract
This study investigates the potential of reversible crosslinking reaction (RXR) as a matrix modification strategy for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to combine network-like performance with recyclability. Dynamic rheological analysis revealed pronounced increases in melt viscosity and development of solid-like responses, confirming dynamic network formation. Incorporation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers at 3, 7, and 10 wt% enhanced crystallinity from 68.5% (neat HDPE) to 74.9% (7 wt% fiber), demonstrating the strong nucleating effect of fibers. Further enhancement to 80.2% crystallinity was achieved through the addition of 5 wt% maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAH) compatibilizer, which significantly improved fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion. Incorporation of graphene at 0.5, 1, and 3 wt% provided additional nucleation sites, achieving crystallinity of 78.6% at 3 wt% graphene with refined crystallite sizes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a pronounced transformation from clean fiber pull-out in non-compatibilized systems to extensive fiber fracture with matrix residue in MAH-compatibilized composites, confirming superior interfacial bonding. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated thermal stabilization with decomposition temperatures shifted by up to 15 °C in graphene-reinforced systems compared to neat HDPE. The strategic combination of dynamic crosslinking with multi-scale reinforcement produces hybrid composites with significantly enhanced crystallinity, refined microstructure, improved thermal stability, superior interfacial quality, and retained thermal recyclability, offering promising applications in sustainable, high-performance polymer composites.
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