A recent trend in the development of renewable and biodegradable materials has led to the development of composites from renewal sources such as natural fibers. This agricultural activity generates a large amount of waste in the form of peanut shells. The motivation for this research is based on the utilization of peanut shells as a viable source for the manufacture of biocomposites. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a plastic largely used in the industry due to its durability, high strength to density ratio, and thermal stability. This research focuses in the mechanical and thermal properties of HDPE/peanut shell composites of different qualities and compositions. The samples obtained were subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical tensile strength tests. TO prepare the samples for analysis, the peanut shells were separated into different mesh sizes and then mixed with HDPE at different concentrations. The results showed that samples with fiber size number 10 exhibited superior strength modulus of 1.65 GPa versus results for HDPE alone at 1.32 GPa. The analysis from the previous experiments helped to determine that the fiber size number 10 at 5%wt. ratio in HDPE provides the most optimal mechanical and thermal results. From tensile tests the highest modulus of elasticity of 1.33 GPa was achieved from the samples of peanut shells size number 10 in HDPE at 20%wt. ratio, while the results for HDPE alone were only of 0.8 GPa. The results proved the hypothesis that the addition of peanut shells to HDPE enhances both the thermal and mechanical properties of the composite.

Plastics are widely used and they vary in their applicability, ranging from automobile parts, components for houses and buildings, and packaging for everything from food to electronic parts. The diverse applications of plastics, such as polystyrene, polyolefins and polyester, are credited to the incorporation of additives. Additives improve the performance of these and other polymer resins. Without the incorporation of such additives, for example Ethanox ® 330, some plastics would degrade during processing or over time. To ensure that the specified amount of an additive or combination of additives are incorporated into a polymer after the extrusion process, a rapid and accurate analytical method is required. Quantitation of additive(s) in the polymer is necessary, since the additive(s) may degrade and the amount of additive(s) can influence the physical nature of the polymer. Conventional extraction techniques for polymer additive(s), such as, Soxhlet or dissolution / precipitation are labor intensive, time consuming, expensive, and the optimal recovery is significantly less than 90 percent. In addition, a large amount of solvent , such as toluene or decalin, must be eliminated in order to concentrate the sample prior to chromatographic separation. Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) has been employed as an alternative polymer preparation technique. SFE is a favorable means for various analytical sample preparation applications, credited to its short extraction times. This research employs SFE for the extraction of the antioxidant Ethanox® 330 from high density polyethylene (HDPE) followed by HPLC/UV analysis. The effects of temperature, modifier type, and modifier concentration were investigated. Once the optimal extraction conditions were determined, the extraction efficiency of Ethanox ® 330 as a single additive and in the presence of co-additives from HDPE were investigated. Recoveries of greater than 90% were obtained for Ethanox ® 330 when a secondary antioxidant was present in the HDPE. / Master of Science

In recent decades the quality and safety of bottled water has come into question, while bottled water sales and demand have steadily grown. It is important that consumers as well as manufacturers are made aware of the microbial environment of bottled water. Many studies have been implemented to evaluate the microbiological content of bottled water. Although some laboratory studies have shown that microbial counts of bottled water can reach as high as 16^3 CFU/mL, few studies, if any, have studied the impact of storage location on bottled water microbial activity. This document reports on an investigation that evaluated the microbiological quality of bottled water relative to storage conditions and storage duration. Unlike previous studies that evaluated bottled water having been stored under the laboratory conditions, the work conducted in this study evaluated storage scenarios that included a car trunk, covered porch, indoor cabinet and refrigerator. These storage conditions allow for comparison of prior studies conducted in the laboratory to more realistic storage coniditions used by consumers. Analyses of bottled water under these alternative storage conditions indicated that microbial growth did occur in stored water and varied between lcoation and holding time. It was determined that heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) were greater in warmer storage environments as was exhibited by the refrigerated and indoor locations. Additionally, mathematical models were developed in this work that predicted the microbial growth rate in bottled water as a function of holding time, using commonly available statistical software that evaluated data predicted using an exponential model (R2 correlation of up to 0.84) for two different storage conditions. Although increased levels of HPC bacteria are generally safe for those in good health, they are used as an indicator test for microbial quality. Furthermore, higher levels of HPC have also been shown to pose some additional health risks to immunocomprimised individuals. Therefore, results from the study would indicate that it may be beneficial for consumers to store their bottled water indoors or in a refrigerator.

No description available.

L’objectif de ce mémoire de thèse est de contribuer à la connaissance du comportement mécanique en grandes déformations du Polyéthylène à Haute Densité anisotrope obtenu par extrusion de plaques. Nous présentons le protocole et les résultats expérimentaux de traction séquencée, comportant des décharges, recharges et relaxations monotones et cycliques. Ces campagnes d’essais sont également centrées sur la mesure en temps réel de la variation de volume liée aux phénomènes d’endommagement. Les résultats sont présentés pour différentes orientations d’éprouvettes prélevées dans des plaques extrudées. La modélisation thermodynamique de l’ensemble des résultats, a fait l’objet d’un développement original conduisant à la prédiction unifiée de grandeurs en 3D : contrainte vraie axiale, déformations vraies transversales. Le modèle prévoit également le développement de l’endommagement et permet de mettre en évidence une variable tensorielle de dommage. L’identification des paramètres du modèle thermodynamique sur la base de données expérimentales conduit à des grandeurs physiques conformes aux caractéristiques de la microstructure. Ce travail ouvre la perspective d’un enrichissement de l’approche thermodynamique dans la direction de la prévision de l’anisotropie plastique induite des polymères semi-cristallins / The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the knowledge of the mechanical behavior in large strains of anisotropic High Density PolyEthylene (HDPE), obtained by extrusion of plates. We present the experimental procedure and the results for traction, with unloading, reloading and relaxation in monotonous and cyclic conditions. This work is also concerned with the measure in real time of the volume strain due to the phenomena of damage. The results are given for various orientations of specimen within the extruded plates. The thermodynamic modeling of the whole the results, is the subject of an original development leading to the unified prediction of measures in 3D: axial true stress, transverse true strains. The model also predicts the development of the damage and offer the possibility to introduce a tensorial damage variable. The identification of the model parameters on the basis of experimental data leads to physical quantities in conformity with the characteristics of the microstructure. This work opens the prospect for an enrichment of the thermodynamic approach in the direction of the prediction of the induced plastic anisotropy of semi-crystalline polymers

[pt] O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a influencia das condições da impressão 3D nas propriedades finais do polietileno de alta densidade usando a modelagem por fusão e deposição, FDM. Foram impressos protótipos com formato de corpos de prova para teste de tração tipo V segundo norma ASTM D638, a três temperaturas de processamento: 220, 240 e 260 Graus Celsius. Para a impressão das amostras foram mantidos constantes os parâmetros de controle, entre eles a espessura da camada de impressão. As amostras impressas foram caracterizadas por difração de raios X, espectroscopia infravermelha, calorimetria diferencial de varredura, análise termogravimétrica, ensaio de tração, índice de fluidez e teste de contração. Os resultados das caracterizações das amostras impressas foram comparados com os resultados do material sem processar, cujas propriedades foram obtidas usando os mesmo métodos de caracterização. Estes resultados demostraram que as condições de impressão por FDM empregadas neste trabalho causaram apenas uma leve mudança nas características estruturais das amostras processadas do PEAD em relação ao material original sem processamento. Houve um leve aumento da cristalinidade no PEAD impresso (em torno de 1,3 a 3 porcento). Além disso, foi comprovado que por causa do resfriamento desigual na superfície e no interior da amostra impressa, o grau de cristalinidade foi levemente maior no interior que na superfície do corpo de prova impresso. A leve mudança no grau de cristalinidade não foi suficiente para causar mudança no módulo de elasticidade e no limite de escoamento em relação ao PEAD original. Outros resultados demostraram que não houve mudança significativa envolvendo formação de ligações duplas, quebra de cadeias e degradação térmica por efeito da condição do processamento utilizada durante a impressão. / [en] The aim of this work was to study the influence of process conditions for 3D printing on the final properties of prototypes of high density polyethylene (HDPE) using the method of the fused deposition modeling. Prototypes for type-V tensile testing according to ASTM D 638 were printed; They were made to three processing temperatures: 220, 240 and 260 Celsius degree. Control parameters for printing were kept constant in all the samples. The printed samples were characterized by X – ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile test, melt flow index test, and, shrinkage test. The results of the characterization of the printed samples and of the original material were compared. These results demonstrated that the printing conditions employed in this study caused a slight change in the structural characteristics of the printed samples compared to the unprocessed original material, there being a slight increase in crystallinity (about 1,3 to 3 percent) for HDPE which was printed. In addition, it has been proven that the degree of crystallinity was slightly greater on the inside that on the surface of the printed samples, because of uneven cooling on the surface and inside of these samples. The slight change in the degree of crystallinity was not enough to cause change in the elastic modulus and yield strength compared to the original HDPE. Other results showed that there was not significant change involving bond formation, break chains, and, thermal degradation by the effect of the processing conditions used during printing.

The objective of the study is to improve the interfacial adhesion between the wood fibers and thermoplastic matrix. Efforts were also directed towards improving manufacturing processes so as to realize the full potential of wood fibers as reinforcing fillers. Chemical coupling plays an important role in improving interfacial bonding strength in wood-polymer composites. A novel compatibilizer with isocyanate functional group was synthesized by grafting m-Isopropenyl –α –α –dimethylbenzyl-isocyanate (m-TMI) onto isotactic polypropylene using reactive extrusion process. The compatibilizer was characterized with respect to its nature, concentration and location of functional group, and molecular weight. There are two main process issues when blending polymers with incompatible filler: (1) creating and maintaining the target morphology, and (2) doing so with minimum degradation of fillers. A 28mm co-rotating intermeshing twin screw extrusion system was custom built and the design optimized for (1) blending biological fibers with thermoplastics, and (2) for melt phase fictionalization of thermoplastics by reactive extrusion. To assess the effect of inclusion of wood fibers in polypropylene composites, a series of polypropylene wood fiber/wood flour filled composite materials having 10 to 50 wt % of wood content were prepared using the co-rotating twin screw extrusion system. m-TMI-g-PP and MAPP were used as coupling agents. Addition of wood fibers, at all levels, resulted in more rigid and tenacious composites. The continuous improvement in properties of the composites with the increasing wood filler is attributed to the effective reinforcement of low modulus polypropylene matrix with the high modulus wood filler. Studies on were also undertaken to understand effect of particle morphology, type and concentration of coupling agent, and effect of process additives on mechanical properties. Composites prepared with m-TMI-grafted-PP were much superior to the composites prepared with conventionally used maleated polypropylene in all the cases. Non-destructive evaluation of dynamic modulus of elasticity (MoE) and shear modulus of wood filled polypropylene composite at various filler contents was carried out from the vibration frequencies of disc shaped specimens. The vibration damping behaviour of the composite material was evaluated. MoE and shear modulus were found to increase whereas damping coefficient decreased with the increasing filler content. Knowledge of moisture uptake and transport properties is useful in estimating moisture related effects such as fungal attack and loss of mechanical strength. Hence, a study was undertaken to asses the moisture absorption by wood filled polypropylene composites. Composites prepared with coupling agents absorbed at least 30% less moisture than composites without compatibilizer. Thermo-gravimetric measurements were also carried out to evaluate the thermal stability and to evaluate kinetic parameters associated with thermal degradation of wood fiber and wood flour filled polypropylene composites. The moisture absorption and thermal behaviour are described based on analytical models. High efficiency filler-anchored catalyst system was prepared by substituting of hydroxyl groups present on the cellulosic filler. The process involves immobilizing the cocatalyst onto the cellulosic filler surface followed by addition of metallocene catalyst and then polymerization of ethylene using this filler supported catalyst. The polymerization and composite formation takes place simultaneously. All the polymerization reactions were carried out in a high-pressure stirred autoclave. Effect of temperature, ethylene pressure, and cocatalyst to catalyst ratios (Al/TM ratios) were also studied. Studies on kinetics of polymerization showed that, higher Al/Zr ratio and higher temperature lead to higher polymerization rates but lower the molecular weight. A model incorporating effect of reaction parameter on polymerization rates has been developed.

La crise de l’eau dans le monde et la pénurie des ressources en eau exigent une bonne gestion de cette précieuse ressource. La bonne gestion passe en premier lieu par un réseau d’adduction d’eau potable fiable avec un faible taux de fuite. Les fuites causées par la rupture des canalisations, phénomène assez fréquent en milieu urbain, s’amorcent sur un défaut dû à la corrosion ou autres. L’amorçage et la propagation de la fissure se fait par fatigue sous l’effet de contraintes engendrées par le passage des véhicules, ou brutalement à cause du phénomène de coup de bélier. La gravité de ces phénomènes dépend de plusieurs paramètres y compris la nature du matériau des conduites. Les matériaux polymères, comme le PEHD, occupent une bonne partie du marché de transport d’eau, grâce à leurs multiples qualités (coût réduit, facilité de pose, flexibilité), notamment dans les réseaux de distribution (réseau secondaire). L’utilisation de ce matériau dans les réseaux d’adduction (aqueducs) est en pleine expansion mais beaucoup moins étudier dans les travaux de recherche. L’objectif de la thèse consiste à étudier le risque de rupture des conduites en polyéthylène haute densité destinée à l’adduction d’eau potable ainsi que leurs résistances au phénomène de coup de bélier. Pour répondre à cette problématique, en premier lieu nous avons caractérisé expérimentalement le comportement mécanique à la rupture des conduites en PEHD. Ensuite, nous avons développé un outil numérique de calcul par élément fini permettant de modéliser la rupture des conduites. À l'issue de cette étude nous avons proposé un modèle semi-empirique reliant la pression d’amorçage d’une fissure à la taille du défaut préexistant ainsi qu’aux dimensions de la conduite. Finalement, nous avons appliqué les outils développés sur un réseau d’adduction d’eau potable existant. Le comportement d’une conduite en PEHD soumise à un phénomène de coup de bélier a été analysé / The water crisis in the world and the shortage of water resources require good management of this precious resource. Good management requires, first and foremost, a reliable drinking water supply system with low leakage rate. Leakage caused by the rupture of pipes, fairly frequent phenomenon in urban areas, initiate from a pre-existing defect in the pipe wall. The initiation and propagation of the crack occur under environmental stress caused by passing vehicles, or it can happen brutally due to water hammer phenomenon. The severity of these phenomena depends on several parameters including the nature of the piping material. Polymeric materials such as HDPE, take a great part of the water transport market, thanks to their many qualities (reduced cost, ease of installation, flexibility), especially in secondary network distribution system. Currently, the use of this material in the supply networks (aqueducts) is booming but less studied in research works. The aim of the present work is to study the failure of high density polyethylene pipes for the supply of drinking water and their resistance to water hammer phenomenon. In order to address this issue, first we have characterized experimentally the mechanical fracture behavior of HDPE pipe. Then, we have developed a finite element calculation tool allowing the modeling of pipes subjected to internal pressure loads. As a result of this numerical study, we proposed a semi-empirical model linking the failure pressure to the size of pre-existing defects as well as the pipe dimensions. Finally, we applied the developed tools on an existing drinking water system. The behavior of HDPE pipe subjected to a water hammer phenomenon was analyzed

[pt] Nanofolhas de ferrititanato com estrutura tipo lepidocrocita foram sintetizadas a partir de um precursor de baixo custo (areia ilmenítica), via rota hidrotérmica alcalina. Dois tipos de nanofolhas com alto e baixo teor de sódio foram obtidos: a) nanofolhas sódicas (NaLTs) e b) nanofolhas protonizadas (pLTs), obtidas mediante uma reação rápida de troca-ácida à temperatura ambiente. As capacidades de troca catiônica de ambos os tipos de nanofolhas foram determinadas seguindo-se a norma C 837 da ASTM. Após a síntese desses dois nanomateriais com diferentes teores de sódio foi estudado o processo de esfoliação em camadas de espessura sub-nanométrica, sob agitação intensa à temperatura de 60 C, utilizando-se como o agente de esfoliação pela primeira vez numa estrutura lepidocrocítica o sal cloreto de dimetildioctadecilamônio (2C18), visando a posterior aplicação das nanofolhas esfoliadas como reforço em nanocompósitos de matriz polimérica. O intuito de aplicar estes reforços em uma matriz polimérica foi buscar uma dispersão mais homogênea das folhas esfoliadas, além do aumento da compatibilidade das nanocargas com a matriz polimérica pela presença dos grupos orgânicos do sal quimicamente ligados às nanofolhas e, consequentemente, o incremento das propriedades térmicas e mecânicas do material polimérico. Dependendo do teor de sódio, foram obtidas nanofolhas esfoliadas e/ou intercaladas que foram posteriormente caracterizadas por fotometria de chama, espetroscopia de infravermelho, área superficial específica por adsorção de N2, termogravimetria, difração de raios-X de alto ângulo, espalhamento de raios-X a baixo ângulo, microscopia de força atômica e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Para a fabricação dos nanocompósitos foram utilizadas duas matrizes: a) uma de PEAD puro e b) a outra de PEAD com adição de uma porcentagem baixa, e constante, de polietileno funcionalizado com anidrido maleico (PE-g-MA), sendo reforçadas com as nanocargas protonizadas virgens (pLTs) e esfoliadas (pLTs-o-2C18) nas concentrações de 1,0; 2,0 e 4,0 por cento p. Finalmente, foram avaliadas as propriedades mecânicas e térmicas dos nanocompósitos por meio de ensaios de tração, termogravimetria, calorimetria diferencial de varredura e dilatometria. Os nanocompósitos preparados com pLTs virgem e os fabricados com a adição de agente de acoplamento de PE-g-MA apresentaram um aumento no módulo de Young de aproximadamente 12,8 por cento e 5,1 por cento para cargas de 4 por cento e 2 por cento em peso de pLTs virgem, respectivamente. Os nanocompósitos, que apresentam o maior aumento no limite de escoamento foram os reforçados com 4 por cento p de nanofolhas esfoliada (pLTs-o-2C18). No entanto, estes materiais apresentam uma diminuição no módulo de Young de aproximadamente 12 por cento. Os nanocompósitos com o maior aumento no módulo de Young foram os preparados com 4 por cento p pLTs ( aproximadamente 12,8 por cento), enquanto sua tensão no escoamento também foi melhorada (um aumento de aproximadamente 4 por cento). A incorporação de nanofolhas não afetou significativamente as propriedades de estabilidade térmica da matriz e uma diminuição no coeficiente de expansão térmica de 4 a 5,5 por cento foi apenas observada para nanocompósitos preparados com pLTs virgens. O grau de cristalinidade diminuiu para todos os nanocompósitos fabricados, no qual variou de 2,17 até 26 por cento. / [en] Ferrititanate nanosheets with lepidocrocite-like structure were synthesized from a low cost precursor (ilmenite sand) through alkaline hydrothermal route. Two types of nanosheets with high and low-sodium content were obtained: a) sodium rich nanosheets (NaLTs) and b) protonated nanosheets (pLTs), obtained by a rapid acid-exchange reaction at room temperature. The cation exchange capacities of both types of nanosheets were determinated according ASTM C 837. After the synthesis of these two nanomaterials with different sodium levels, it was studied the exfoliation process to obtain monolayers of nanometric lateral dimensions under intensive stirring at 60 C, using dimethyldioctadecylammonium cloride (2C18) as the exfoliating agent of the lepidocrocite-like ferrititanate nanosheets for the first time, aiming the further application of the exfoliated nanosheets as reinforcement in polymer matrix nanocomposites. The purpose of the addition of these nanofillers within a polymer matrix is to obtain a more homogeneous dispersion of exfoliated nanosheets, as well as the improvement of the compatibility between nanofillers and the polymer matrix, due to the presence of the organic groups from 2C18, chemically attached to nanosheets and hence, to promote the an increase on mechanical and thermal properties of the polymeric matrix. Depending on the sodium content, it was obtained exfoliated and/or intercalated nanosheets that were further characterized by flame photometry, infrared spectroscopy, specific surface area by N2 adsorption, thermogravimetry, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For the manufacturing of nanocomposites two types of matrices were used: a) neat high density polyethylene (HDPE) and b) HDPE with the addition of a low percentage of polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA). Pristine nanosheets (pLTs) and exfoliated nanosheets (pLTs-O-2C18) were used as nanofillers at loadings of 1.0; 2.0 and 4.0 wt percent. Finally, we assessed the mechanical and thermal properties of the as-prepared nanocomposites through tensile tests, thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dilatometry. Nanocomposites prepared with pristine pLTs and those manufactured with the addition of PE-g-MA coupling agent showed an increase on the Young modulus of about 12,8 percent and 5,1 percent for loadings of 4wt percent and 2 wt percent of pristine pLTs, respectively. The nanocomposites that present the highest increase on yield stress were reinforced with 4 wt percent of exfoliated nanosheets (pLTs-o-2C18). However, these materials presents a decrease in the Young modulus of about 12 percent. The nanocomposites with the highest increase on Young Modulus were those prepared with 4 wt percent of pristine ( about 12,8 percent), and the yield stress was also improved (increase of about 4 percent). The incorporation of nanosheets did not affect significantly the thermal stability properties of the matrix and a decrease on the coefficient of thermal expansion was solely observed for nanocomposites prepared with pristine pLTs. The degree of crystallinity decreased for all the manufactured nanocomposites, in the range of about 2,17 t-26 percent for nanocomposites prepared with pristine pLTs and those fabricated with the addition of PE-g-MA, respectively. up to about pLTs with the addition of PE-g-MA.

[pt] O Polietileno de Alta Densidade (PEAD) é um dos materiais mais conhecidos e é utilizado em diversos campos de aplicação. Apesar de suas inúmeras qualidades, como baixa densidade, alta ductilidade e alta resistência específica, esse material possui algumas desvantagens que limitam a sua aplicabilidade, tais como baixa rigidez, baixa estabilidade térmica e alta expansividade térmica. Por outro lado, existe uma classe seleta de materiais que possuem coeficiente de expansão térmica (CET) negativo ou próximo de zero. Pertencem a esse grupo, por exemplo, as cerâmicas da família A2M3O12, como o In2W3O12 (tungstato de índio). Tendo isso em vista, a proposta deste trabalho foi estudar diferentes métodos de mistura física entre esses dois materiais para fabricar e caracterizar compósitos de PEAD reforçados por nanopartículas de In2W3O12 com CET reduzido e propriedades mecânicas aumentadas em relação ao polímero. Primeiramente, sintetizaram-se nanopartículas de In2W3O12 pelo método de coprecipitação. Suas temperaturas de cristalização (aproximadamente 530 graus Celsius) e de transformação de fase monoclínica/ortorrômbica (259 graus Celsius) foram determinadas por análise térmica simultânea, e seus parâmetros de rede à temperatura ambiente foram determinados por DRX. Além disso, calcularam-se os CET s intrínsecos do In2W3O12 para ambas as suas fases por DRX in situ com temperatura variável. Foi encontrado, pela primeira vez, um CET intrínseco negativo para sua fase ortorrômbica, de alpha1 igual a menos 1,5 multiplicado por 10 elevado a menos 6 e K elevado a menos 1. Em seguida, fabricaram-se compósitos a partir de pellets de PEAD e das nanopartículas de In2W3O12 por microextrusão e microinjeção precedidas por uma etapa de pré-mistura. Dois parâmetros do processo de fabricação foram variados: a fração de carga no compósito (0,5; 2; 4 e 10 por cento) e o método de pré-mistura (sem pré-mistura; por vibração dentro de um moinho sem as bolas de moagem; e em uma autoclave giratória a 190 graus Celsius e pressão ambiente). Finalmente, os compósitos foram caracterizados por ensaios de tração, dilatometria e análise termogravimétrica. Todos os compósitos apresentaram incremento no módulo de elasticidade e no limite de escoamento, obtendo-se aumentos de até 45 por cento e 17 por cento, respectivamente, em relação ao PEAD puro. Os materiais preparados no moinho com 10 por cento p de reforço apresentaram os melhores resultados. De forma geral, os compósitos submetidos a algum tipo de pré-mistura tiveram melhores propriedades mecânicas do que os que não foram pré-misturados. Por outro lado, os compósitos não apresentaram uma grande redução no CET em relação ao PEAD. O melhor resultado encontrado foi uma redução de 6 por cento para os materiais sem pré-mistura com 4 por cento p de reforço. A temperatura de degradação dos compósitos sem pré-mistura também não apresentou melhora significativa. O maior incremento foi de 1,5 por cento em relação ao PEAD puro, encontrado para os materiais com 0,5 por cento p de carga. Finalmente, amostras de PEAD puro submetidas aos diferentes métodos de pré-mistura foram analisados por DSC. Constatou-se que a temperatura de fusão não é alterada, mas a entalpia de fusão e o grau de cristalinidade aumentam com a pré-mistura por vibração (8 por cento) e ainda mais com a pré-mistura na autoclave (15 por cento) em relação ao PEAD puro como recebido. / [en] High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most widely used materials. Despite its numerous qualities, such as low density, high ductility, and high specific strength, HDPE presents certain disadvantages that limit its applicability, like low stiffness, low thermal stability, and high thermal expansion. In contrast, there is a select group of materials that display negative or near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Ceramics belonging to the A2M3O12 family, which includes In2W3O12 (indium tungstate), are examples of such materials. Therefore, this dissertation proposes to examine different methods of physical mixture in order to produce and characterize HDPE composites reinforced with In2W3O12 nanoparticles with reduced CTE and better mechanical properties than the neat polymer. Firstly, In2W3O12 nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation. Simultaneous thermal analysis proved their crystallization temperature and monoclinic/orthorhombic phase transition temperature to be approximately 530 Celsius degrees and 259 Celsius degrees, respectively. The lattice parameters at room temperature were determined by XRD, and the intrinsic CTE s for both phases were calculated by variable-temperature in situ XRD. For the first time, a negative intrinsic CTE was found for the orthorhombic phase (Alpha 1 equal than minus 1.5 multiplied 10 power minus 6 and K power minus 1). Secondly, composites were produced from HDPE pellets and the In2W3O12 nanoparticles by microextrusion and microinjection preceded by a pre-mixing step. Two fabrication parameters were analyzed: the filler content (0.5, 2, 4, and 10wt percent were used) and the pre-mixing method (no pre-mixture, by vibration within a mill without balls, and in a rotating autoclave at 190 Celsius degrees and ambient pressure). Finally, the composites were characterized by tensile tests, dilatometry, and thermogravimetric analysis. All of the composites presented higher Young s modulus and yield stress than neat HDPE, with increases of up to 45 percent and 17 percent, respectively. The best results were displayed by the materials that were pre-mixed in the mill with 10wt percent filler fraction. In general, both pre-mixing methods improved the composites mechanical properties. On the other hand, the polymer s CTE was not significantly reduced, being decreased by 6 percent in the best case. The degradation temperature showed almost no improvement, with a 1.5 percent increase for the composites with 0.5 percent filler content. Lastly, neat HDPE samples exposed to the different pre-mixing methods were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and compared with the as-received pellets. Results showed that the melting temperature was not affected by the mixing techniques, but both the enthalpy of fusion and the degree of crystallinity were increased by 8 percent and 15 percent for the samples pre-mixed by vibration in the mill and by rotation in the autoclave, respectively.