Enhancing the Mechanical Performance of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) with TiO2 Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Design and Production Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering Cairo University, Giza Governorate 12613, Egypt.

Abstract

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been widely used in biomedical applications due to its high flexibility, durability, exceptional impact resistance at low temperatures, great chemical resistance, low cost, and superior mechanical strength. The usage of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles to improve the mechanical characteristics of HDPE has been recommended since these nanoparticles have an antibacterial and self-cleaning mechanism. Because of these properties, TiO2 was selected as an effective inorganic reinforcement in the present study. This research aims to investigate the mechanical characteristics of (HDPE) matrix reinforced with Titanium oxide nanoparticles. A twin-screw machine was used to produce HDPE samples with various TiO2 concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20%). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was conducted of TiO2 after milling for 23 hr. in a planetary ball mill. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the distribution and characteristics of composite with various concentrations. Tensile, hardness, and wear tests were used to examine the mechanical characteristics. The results revealed that the optimum mechanical properties was achieved by HDPE with 10% TiO2. Where the tensile strength reached 84.3 MPa and the Young's modulus was 1820 MPa at this concentration. Additionally, the modulus of toughness and the hardness increased to 309 MPa, 82±2 HRP respectively. Also, the wear rate dropped to 4.4*〖10〗^(-7) m³/m at 30N, a 40% reduction compared to pure HDPE.

Keywords

Main Subjects


Volume 68, Issue 13 - Serial Number 13
(In Loving Memory of Late Professor Doctor”Zeinab M. Nofal” In progress
December 2025
Pages 429-440
  • Receive Date: 06 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 30 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 May 2025