Calculation of the degree of crystallinity of HDPE/GNPs nanocomposites by using various experimental techniques: a comparative study

Abstract This work is a comparative study of four different techniques to determine the crystallinity high-density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites filled with diameter sizes (5, 15 and 25 μm) graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) at various amounts (0.5–5 wt%). The structure HDPE/GNPs was extensively studied by using experimental methods, such as X-ray diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared Raman spectroscopy. To further provide complete comparison, differential scanning calorimetry measurements were utilized calculate values, while temperature-modulated DSC employed investigate possible mechanism crystalline structures. It found that these methods can be used estimate crystallinity, but sample parameters conditions must taken into consideration. All showed depends on GNPs size content. distance between dispersed platelets substantial low concentrations GNPs, making it comparatively easy for additional nucleation sites incorporate polymer matrix, crystal nucleus simply formed. However, high diffusion chains growing crystallites hindered large particles, despite formation sites.