Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of nanoparticle type on the scratch resistance of polyethylene-based nanocomposites at two ambient temperatures and various scratch velocities. An in-house pre-mix procedure is used to enhance the scratch resistance of polyethylene blend by the addition of three different types of nanoparticles, which are compatible with the host matrix. The results showed a good dispersion of nanoparticles into the host material matrix. The scratch resistance of polyethylene-based nanocomposites is significantly influenced by the type of nanoparticles at both testing temperatures. The addition of low volume fraction (0.5 wt.%) of nanoclay and CNT showed a significant increase in the scratch resistance of nanocomposite material at the highest scratching velocity for both testing temperatures. While, slight effect of the embedding of nanoclay was indicated at low scratch velocity. The addition of 0.5 wt% CB resulted in a reduction in the scratch resistance at all testing parameters. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by IASE.