Fabrication of HDPE composites via a novel friction stir processing technology

Abstract

In this article, the feasibility of preparing high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/copper (Cu) composites by submerged friction stir processing was investigated. The results showed that the Cu powders were dispersed with the flow of matrix in the action of stir. The surface layer of the composites was more uniform than core, and the advancing side was more homogenous than retreating side. The crystalline content of HDPE/Cu composites was higher than the processing materials without Cu powders. Compared with the matrix, the tensile strength of composites was lower, however, higher than that processing samples under the same processing parameters. The microhardness of composites was higher than either the matrix of the sample without Cu powders.