Morphology of Rotationally Moulded Microfibril Reinforced Composites and its Effect on Product Performance

Abstract

Rotational moulding (rotomoulding) is one of the fastest growing plastics manufacturing processes using linear polyethylenes dominantly as raw materials. However, due to their modest mechanical properties, rotational moulders worldwide are keen to develop stronger and stiffer materials. In the present study, an attempt was undertaken to apply the concept of microfibril reinforced composites (MFCs) for improving the material performance. Melt blended and subsequently cold drawn and undrawn linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) with either poly(ethylene terephthalate) or poly(ethylene naphthalate) possessing MFC structure were mixed with neat LMDPE and thereafter processed via rotational moulding. The rotomoulded samples were characterised morphologically and tested mechanically. The obtained unsatisfactory mechanical characteristics led to the subsequent morphological study which revealed some interesting phenomena for the rotomoulded products containing MFC blends.