This research investigates how polar molecules can affect the behaviour of non polar polymer solids. In the recent years, there has been growing interest in nanocomposites based on a polymer matrix. However, the introduction of polar nanoparticles may involve a penalty in terms of dielectric material properties. By designing a polyethylene matrix with polar molecules we are able to control a series of factors like: microstructures, nucleation density and phase behaviour. Studies have shown the influence of morphology on the dielectric proprieties of polymers.
This project involves a study of polyethylene with different types of polar molecules. We are investigating the effect of small and macro polar molecules. A further investigation looks at the effect of nanoclay dispersed in ethylene vinyl acetate and subsequently nanocomposites based on PE/EVA and nanoclay.