Mechanical Properties and Morphologies of High Density Polyethylene Reinforced with Calcium Carbonate and Sawdust Compatibilized with Vinyltriethoxysilane

Abstract

In this study, the influence of vinyltriethoxysilane on the mechanical and morphological properties of high density polyethylene filled with calcium carbonate and sawdust were investigated. The fillers were treated with 2% (v/v) vinyltriethoxysilane before mixing with the high density polyethylene. The results showed that the modification of the fillers with the vinyltriethoxysilane promoted the adhesion between the matrix and fillers. All of fillers increased the modulus and tensile strength of the high density polyethylene composites but the %elongation at break decreased. Also, the fillers loading increased the mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties of the high density polyethylene/calcium carbonate composite was higher than the high density polyethylene/sawdust composite. In addition, vinyltriethoxysilane with acted as the modifying agent of the fillers slight increased the mechanical properties of the composites. The factors that influencing the mechanical properties of the high density polyethylene composites were type of fillers, particle loading and vinyltriethoxysilane. In addition, the thermal properties of the high density polyethylene composite were related to type of fillers and vinyltriethoxysilane.