Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia
https://app.periodikos.com.br/journal/polimeros/article/doi/10.1590/0104-1428.20250051
Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia
Original Article

HDPE/geopolymer composites with improved thermal and acoustic insulation for aerospace applications

Eliziane Medeiros Santos; Ricardo Pondé Weber; Flávio James Humberto Tommasini Vieira Ramos; Maria de Fátima Vieira Marques

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Abstract

This work reports high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites reinforced with geopolymers derived from ladle-furnace slag for aerospace insulation. Composites containing 10–30 wt% geopolymer were melt-processed with in-situ compatibilization, and their thermal and acoustic properties were systematically evaluated. Compared with neat HDPE, the best formulation (20 wt% geopolymer with compatibilization) increased the onset degradation temperature to 412 °C (≈ +52 °C), reduced thermal diffusivity to 0.24 mm2 s−1 (≈ −20%), and raised the noise-reduction coefficient to 0.27 (≈ +35%). Microstructural analysis indicated uniform particle dispersion and improved polymer–filler adhesion, which underpin the simultaneous gains in thermal stability and sound absorption. These results demonstrate a lightweight, sustainable route to multifunctional insulation materials based on industrial by-products, with clear potential for aircraft interior applications.

 

 

Keywords

high-density polyethylene, geopolymer, composite, thermal diffusivity, acoustic absorption coefficient

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