The Effects of Graphene Oxide and Iron Oxide (II) Co-addition on Properties of a Polypropylene/high-density Polyethylene Blend

This study investigated the impact of adding graphene oxide (GO) and iron oxide (II) (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles individually and in combination on the morphology, thermo-mechanical, and dielectric properties of a Polypropylene/High-Density Polyethylene (PP/HDPE) blend. By adding these nanoparticles separately or as a mixture, we can determine if both mechanisms have a synergistic effect and how they impact the dielectric constant values of their nanocomposites. The nanoparticle mixture was prepared in both an alkaline and a neutral medium. The mixture in the alkaline medium contained lower quantities of iron nanoparticles than in the neutral medium, and they were localized on the surface of GO. The nanocomposites showed significant differences in dynamic-mechanical and dielectric properties. The system with Fe₃O₄ exhibited a higher storage modulus, while the system with GO had a higher dielectric constant. However, no synergistic effect was observed in the nanoparticle mixtures.

Keywords:
Dielectric properties; nanocomposites; graphene oxide; iron oxide (II)