Structure and properties of phase‐change materials based on high‐density polyethylene,hard Fischer–Tropsch paraffin wax,and wood flour

Phase‐change materials based on high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), a hard Fischer–Tropsch paraffin wax (H1 wax), and alkali‐treated wood flour (WF) were investigated. The blends and composites were prepared by melt‐mixing. They were characterized in terms of their morphology as well as thermal, mechanical, thermomechanical, and water absorption properties. Although the scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed some evidence of intimate contact between WF and the HDPE matrix, there were poor filler dispersion and interfacial adhesion. The percentage miscibility of H1 wax in HDPE seems to have decreased with increasing wax content in the blends. A fairly strong affinity between the WF and H1 wax was noticed. There was plasticization of the HDPE matrix by the wax as well as inhomogeneity and uneven wax dispersion within the polymer matrix. The presence of H1 wax and WF influenced the crystallization behavior of the HDPE matrix. The incorporation of wax reduced the thermal stability of the blends and composites, but stabilized the WF. The H1 wax and WF differently influenced the viscoelastic properties of the HDPE matrix. In contrast to the blends where the tensile properties improved in the presence of wax, the composites showed poorer properties. An increase in wax content resulted in a decrease in water uptake by the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.