Incorporation of Ceramic‐Based Lyophilized Sepiolite Clay Enhances Mechanical Properties and Thermal Stability of HDPE

ABSTRACT High density polyethylene (HDPE) is a flexible, chemically resistant, and translucent thermoplastic, commonly used in the manufacturing of piping, plastic bottles, containers, toys, grocery bags, and many household items. However, its poor weathering property, non‐biodegradability, and high flammability have restricted its use in modern advanced engineering applications. In this research, ceramic‐based lyophilized sepiolite clay has been used as a functional filler to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of HDPE. The incorporation of only 4 wt.% loading of modified sepiolite clay in HDPE has successfully decreased the burning rate up to 35.41%, while increasing the tensile strength up to 30%. Structural elucidation of neat HDPE and fabricated nanocomposite samples was carried out using FTIR analysis. Morphological investigations were carried out using SEM, which depicted the successful exfoliation and the uniform dispersion of the modified sepiolite clay in HDPE with the help of twin screw extruder. The filler was successfully embedded in the polymer matrix using the solvent‐free, melt extrusion process followed by hot pressing, which resultantly improved thermal stability, mechanical, and physiochemical properties of the fabricated nanocomposites, as demonstrated in SEM, TGA, DSC, tensile strength, and DMA results.