Assessment of mechanical properties by RVE modeling and simulation of recycled HDPE reinforced with carbon nanotubes

This study explores the integration of carbon nanotube (CNT) nanoparticles into recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) composites to evaluate their mechanical properties. The Young’s modulus of rHDPE reinforced filled with tubular CNTs at various volume fractions (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04) is predicted using a Representative Volume Element (RVE) model. The 0.04 rHDPE/CNT composites exhibit the highest enhancements in mechanical properties, such as 42% increase in Young’s modulus, a 39% improvement in tensile strength, a 49% rise in flexural strength, and a 20% surge in mode 1 frequency compared to pure rHDPE. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) fractography verifies the ductility behavior of virgin rHDPE and the brittleness nature of the 0.04 rHDPE/CNT composites. The RVE model’s predictions for Young’s modulus closely align with experimental results and demonstrate superior accuracy compared to micromechanical models. ANSYS simulation results for tensile strength (TS), flexural strength (FS), and frequency show less than a 10% error margin relative to the experimental value. This research supports using sustainable materials such as rHDPE/CNT to advance eco-friendly engineering solutions.