High‐Performance <scp>HDPE</scp>/Kaolin Composites Reinforced With Functionalized Graphene

ABSTRACT PbO‐modified graphene (G) nanohybrids (PbO@G) were synthesized using a solution mixing process and then characterized using a composite system of waste plastic (HDPE) and kaolin. The characteristics of the resulting G, PbO, and PbO@G materials were investigated using FESEM, TEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy analysis. The mechanical and thermal behavior of the nanocomposites from G‐HDPE/Kaolin and PbO@G‐HDPE/Kaolin was extensively investigated. Remarkably, the highest tensile strength was shown by the G‐HDPE/Kaolin composites, while the lowest loading concentration (0.4 wt%) PbO@G‐HDPE/Kaolin composites showed improved viscoelastic behavior. Specifically, the addition of 0.4 wt% PbO@G nanofillers to the HDPE/Kaolin system improved the tan delta as well as the storage modulus significantly. Such enhanced mechanical and thermal behavior can be explained by the occurrence of strong hydrogen bonding, homogeneous dispersion, and improved interfacial contact between the nanofillers and the HDPE/Kaolin matrix. Summarizing, the occurrence of PbO@G nanohybrids indicates enormous potential in enhancing the mechanical and thermal behavior of HDPE/Kaolin composites.