The Impact of Zinc Oxide Micro-Powder Filler on the Physical and Mechanical Response of High-Density Polyethylene Composites in Material Extrusion 3D Printing

Abstract

The scope of this work was to develop novel polymer composites via melt extrusion and 3D printing, incorporating High-Density Polyethylene filled with zinc oxide particles in various wt. percentages. For each case scenario, a filament of approximately 1.75 mm in diameter was fabricated. Samples for tensile and flexural testing were fabricated with 3D printing. They were then evaluated for their mechanical response according to ASTM standards. According to the documented testing data, the filler increases the mechanical strength of pure HDPE at specific filler concentrations. The highest values reported were a 54.6% increase in the flexural strength with HDPE/ZnO 0.5 wt.% and a 53.8% increase in the tensile strength with 10 wt.% ZnO loading in the composite. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Raman, and thermal characterization techniques were used. The experimental findings were evaluated in other research areas where they were applicable.