The Effect of Adding Nano-additives on the Properties of Thermoplastic Polymers

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field of knowledge, spanning many areas of research. Depending on its nature, the introduction of a nano-additive into the matrix is intended to give the composites certain mechanical, thermal, optical, surface or biological properties. Significant improvements in nanocomposite properties are mainly due to the shape and size of the nano-additive, the surface area, level of surface development, surface energy and spatial distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. The paper presents the results of research on basic processing and thermal properties, i.e. the mass flow rate index (MFR) and the Vicat softening temperature of low density polyethylene modified by carbon nanotubes with a mass share of up to 6% of the matrix. The paper is closed with appropriate conclusions.