Rotational moulding and mechanical characterisation of halloysite reinforced polyethylenes

Abstract

Extensive experiments with rotationally moulded polyethylene halloysite nanocomposites have been conducted. Previous studies regarding the use of filler materials in rotational moulding often report problems with agglomerations or inward migration of the filler. Despite the previous advances in machine adaptations and mould configurations to apply internal pressure, this study has focused mainly on non-pressurized composite production. Halloysite is a natural, nano-size, mineral clay with different reactivities from the internal aluminol and external siloxane surfaces. Due to its morphology and chemical nature, halloysite is easier to process compared to other fillers and achieves good particle dispersion, making it a potential candidate for reinforcing rotationally moulded products. In this study, nanoparticle-reinforced composites containing halloysite with medium density or high density polyethylene were produced by rotational moulding. The influence of halloysite on the melt flow index and mechanical performance, tensile, flexural and impact properties, were investigated.