Influence of compatibilizer on notched impact strength and fractography of HDPE–organoclay composites |
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| Authors: | Waraporn Rattanawijan Taweechai Amornsakchai Pornsawan Amornsakchai Pinsupha Petiraksakul |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakonpathom 73170, Thailand;2. Center for Alternative Energy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakonpathom 73170, Thailand;3. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand;4. Department of Materials Technology, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Huamark, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240, Thailand |
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| Abstract: | The focus of this study was the notched impact property of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)–organoclay composites and the resultant morphology of impact‐fractured surfaces. Composites with a different organoclay content and degree of organoclay dispersion were compared with neat HDPE under identical conditions. The degree of organoclay dispersion was controlled through the use of a compatibilizer, maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene. It was found that the addition of organoclay can slightly increase the elastic modulus and notched impact strength of the composite. When the level of organoclay dispersion was improved by using compatibilizer, elastic modulus and toughness further increased. A significant increase in yield strength was also notable. The presence of organoclay was found to suppress strain hardening of the matrix during tensile testing. The impact‐fractured surfaces of failed specimens were studied with scanning electron microscopy. The micromechanism for the increased toughness of HDPE–organoclay composites was discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 |
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| Keywords: | polyethylene composites organoclay impact property fractography |
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