Sustainable Construction with Cost-effective High-performance Building Materials: Utilizing Natural Activated Carbon Nanofillers Reinforced HDPE Nanocomposite
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Abstract
This study explores the development of HDPE nanocomposites reinforced with low-cost, naturally derived activated nanocarbon (ACN) fillers, providing an alternative to conventional carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced HDPE, which, despite its superior properties, remains expensive and complex to fabricate. ACN-HDPE nanocomposites were fabricated at varying filler loadings (2 wt.%, 5 wt.%, and 10 wt.%) and systematically compared with CNT-HDPE counterparts (1 wt.% and 2 wt.%) across multiple performance metrics. These included mechanical strength (tensile strength, impact strength, flexural stress, compressive strength, and elongation at break), thermal stability (heat deflection temperature, vicat softening point, and oxidative induction time), flammability (vertical burn tests), and weather resistance (UV/moisture aging and gas permeability). The results demonstrate that 10 wt.% ACN-HDPE composites achieved a 161% increase in impact strength and substantial improvements in other mechanical parameters. Thermal properties were markedly enhanced, with a 51% increase in heat deflection temperature, a 39% rise in Vicat softening point, and a remarkable 426% extension in oxidative induction time. Flammability resistance improved by 93%, while UV/moisture degradation and gas permeability were reduced by 12% and 60%, respectively. These composites performed comparably to 2 wt.% CNT-HDPE in all evaluated aspects, emphasizing their viability for high-performance applications. With enhanced mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties, ACN-HDPE nanocomposites offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to CNT-HDPE and pristine HDPE. These materials present a transformative solution for sustainable construction, delivering high performance while significantly reducing costs and environmental impact.
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