BikiarisLab research work on HDPE/tannic acid composites carried out in the context of the REDONDO project was just published in Polymers, under the title Preparation and characterisation of HDPE/tannic acid composites.
This new research paper discusses the preparation and characterization of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/tannic acid (TA) composites. Tannic acid is a natural polyphenol characterised by strong antioxidatant properties. The composites were designed to confer antioxidant properties to HDPE and valorise a biobased filler. Such materials with antioxidant additives could potentially exhibit a better stability to UV radiation and a higher protection against free radicals.
The HDPE/TA composites were prepared by melt-mixing with a tannic acid content ranging from 1 to 20% by weight. The composites were further characterised by benchmark techniques. As expected, the composites exhibited extremely high radical scavenging activities, proportional to their tannic acid content. Additionally, in depth studies with differential scanning calorimetry showed a facilitated crystallisation. Mechanical properties were maintained at low loadings, but a high tannic acid amount had adverse effects.
Overall a promising series of materials was developed and the composites will be further studied, especially their behaviour after UV and thermal ageing.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe Framework Programme under Grant Agreement No 101058449. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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