Insights into the processing, structure, and mechanical performance of polyethylene/gypsum composites

Polymer composites are used in all branches of industry, with numerous applications. Despite the many years of modifying commodity polymers, using novel fillers allows the range of their applicability to be extended. The impact of new types of fillers on the polymer matrix is not always predictable and requires further studies. The presented study analyzed the application of gypsum as a filler for composites based on high-density polyethylene (PE). The filler was introduced in the amounts of 1-20 wt.%, and its impact on the processing, static, and dynamic mechanical performance of the composites was investigated. At lower filler loadings, the composites could be processed without any hindrance of flowability compared to the neat PE. Up to 5 wt.%, the tensile strength was maintained at a similar level to PE due to the satisfactory quality of the interface and good interfacial adhesion. Higher loadings caused a drop in the tensile strength with a simultaneous rise in Young’s modulus. A further increase in the filler loading resulted in higher values of porosity and growth of the adhesion factor, determinedfrom the dynamic mechanical results, which led to deterioration of the mechanical performance.

---

Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa nr SONP/SP/546092/2022 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2024).