Development of advanced polyethylene-based multicomponent materials for industrial applications

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Development of multicomponent polymer (plastics) materials, including blends and nanocomposites (plastics containing nanometric (10-9 m) particles), based on inexpensive commodity plastics is a promising approach toward manufacturing of value-added, advanced materials. Employing this approach is extremely promising for the modification of polyethylene (PE), which is the most commonly used plastic, in order to improve its intrinsic properties and give it new desirable characteristics. Modified PE-based materials can replace the more expensive engineering plastics and provide innovative solutions to the ever increasing demand for higher quality, cost effective plastics. Preparation of PE blends or nanocomposites, however, poses scientific and industrial challenges due to the incompatibility of PE with other plastics or nanoparticles. Lethbridge-based Flexahopper Plastics is a 100% Canadian owned manufacturer of a wide range of PE products for oil and gas, agricultural, food, and marine industries. In order to produce higher quality products, Flexahopper aims to utilize advanced, inexpensive PE-based multicomponent materials in collaboration with the researchers at the University of Lethbridge - Dr Paul Hazendonk and Dr Farhad Faghihi. The initial step in this collaboration will involve: i) the commercial scale production of PE blends with enhanced adhesion to polar polymers, ii) modification of the manufacturing process for the incorporation of these blends into the products, and iii) characterization of the microstructure of the mlticomponent polymer material. The success of this initiative will give Flexahopper a competitive edge in the market and will allow them to make products for more demanding applications, putting them in a solid position to increase their revenues. The knowledge and experience acquired in this work is expected to pave the road for the production of PE nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical (e.g. strength), antistatic, and barrier (resistance to permeation of gases and vapours) properties in the next phases of this collaboration.