XLPE based Al2O3–clay binary and ternary hybrid nanocomposites: self-assembly of nanoscale hybrid fillers, polymer chain confinement and transport characteristics

Abstract

Transport properties of hybrid nanoparticle based cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)–Al₂O₃–clay binary and ternary nanocomposites have been investigated with special significance to the hybrid effect and synergism of hybrid nanofillers. Compiling the temperature and filler effects demonstrates the self-assembly of hybrid nanofillers in confining the polymer chain dynamics. Studies on transport mechanisms, transport coefficients, and swelling parameters confirm the superior solvent resistant properties of hybrid filler reinforced nanocomposites. Experiments confirmed the extra stability of the ternary hybrid nanocomposites against the process of solvent penetration. Thermodynamic and kinetic investigations reveal that the nanofillers are competent to alter the thermodynamic feasibility and rate constant parameters. Theoretical predictions by the Peppas–Sahlin model suggest that the diffusion process is well thought-out to be a combination of diffusion into the swollen polymer and the polymer chain relaxation process. The morphology and the network density estimation confirm the presence of filler networks and the trapped polymer chains inside them, in ternary systems, which elucidate the microstructure assisted solvent resistant properties of the ternary hybrid nanocomposites. The amount of polymer chains immobilized by the filler surface was computed from dynamic mechanical analysis and a nice correlation was established between transport characteristics and the polymer chain confinement.