Thermoplastic Blends and Composites for High-temperature and High-pressure Applications

Abstract

This thesis focuses on developing a Polyethylene (PE) and Polyamide (PA) blend tailored for high-temperature and high-pressure applications. Chapter 2 systematically investigated the impact of compatibilizer and weight percentage on blend miscibility and morphology. Mechanical and barrier properties of the blends were comprehensively characterized at elevated temperatures to assess their suitability for demanding thermal environments. Chapter 3 introduces an innovative method to enhance interfacial stress transfer in these blends by strategically localizing graphene nanoplatelets at the blend interface. This approach minimizes the required nanofiller content compared to traditional melt blending methods while achieving significant enhancements in mechanical performance. The findings underscore the effectiveness of this novel technique in improving the blend's mechanical strength and durability under extreme conditions. Overall, this research advances the development of PE/PA blends for industrial applications requiring robust performance in high-temperature and high-pressure settings.