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Effects of Mg(OH)2 and MWCNTs on the thermal degradation kinetics of LLDPE in nitrogen. Part A: isothermal tests
Summary
Researchers examined how magnesium hydroxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes affect the thermal stability of linear low-density polyethylene, finding that both fillers slow degradation in a temperature-dependent manner — a result with practical implications for designing plastics that perform safely across specific operational temperature ranges.
Abstract This work shows how the rate parameter of the proposed kinetic model is highly suitable for adequately comparing the temperature-dependent thermal stability behavior of different compounds. This means that a simple plot of the rate parameter versus temperature for polymers containing fillers of different natures or in different concentrations allows for establishing the temperature ranges in which each filler is more efficient in improving thermal stability. Since linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is used in a wide range of applications, its thermal degradation is a crucial aspect to consider for its optimal use. This work examines the effect of magnesium hydroxide (MH) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the thermal degradation of LLDPE in a non-oxidizing atmosphere using isothermal data. Experimental data were obtained by thermogravimetry (TGA) in a nitrogen atmosphere at different temperatures. A kinetic study was performed using a model-fitting method based on logistic derivative functions. The method consists of initially fitting the experimental mass loss rate curves using nonlinear methods with logistic derivative functions. One of the fitting parameters represents the degradation rate. The kinetic significance is primarily described by the dependence of the rate parameter, used in the fittings, on the temperature. That dependence can be expressed in two equivalent ways: either by a characteristic time and temperature, or by the parameters of the classical Arrhenius equation—activation energy and pre-exponential factor. Ultimately, by comparing the kinetics of LLDPE and its composites, it was possible to establish the stabilizing effect of the fillers as a function of temperature. More importantly, this methodology provides a very clear and direct way to compare how the stabilizing effects of fillers of different natures and at different ratios vary across temperature ranges. The observed temperature-dependent stabilization effects in LLDPE composites underscore the critical need for precise filler selection tailored to specific operational temperature ranges, offering vital design guidelines for enhanced thermal management in practical applications.