Davi Nascimento de Pina

Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro (State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Brazil

Abstract Title: Impact of Mineral Reinforcement Type and Polymer MFI on the Properties of HDPE Composites

Biography:

Davi Nascimento de Pina is a Doctoral Student in Environmental Engineering at UERJ, a Professor, and a Military Officer. He holds a degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Work Safety Engineering. His research focuses on sustainable polymer composites and the reuse of industrial mineral waste, such as Bahia Beige and limestone. Currently, he investigates the interaction between mineral reinforcements and thermoplastic matrices to develop high-performance materials with reduced environmental impact. He has expertise in forensic engineering and materials characterization.

Research Interest:

The use of mineral reinforcements in polymer matrix composites has emerged as an alternative for sustainable production, reducing waste and enhancing the physical and mechanical properties of these materials. This study investigated the impact of the melt flow index (MFI) of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and the particle size of two mineral reinforcements, Bahia Beige (BB) and Rio Grande do Norte Limestone (CRN), on the composites. All composites were processed via extrusion, followed by injection, with the addition of 30 wt.% reinforcement. Chemical analyses revealed similar compositions with high CaO content for both minerals, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified predominantly calcite, dolomite, and quartz phases. Variations in the MFI, reinforcement type, and particle size showed a minimal influence on composite properties, supported by robust statistical analyses that found no significant differences between groups. Morphological analysis indicated that composites with lower MFI exhibited less porous structures, whereas larger particles of BB and CRN formed clusters, affecting impact resistance, which was attributed to poor interfacial adhesion.