Polyethylene composite fibers. I. Composite fibers of high‐density polyethylene |
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Authors: | Waraporn Rattanawijan Taweechai Amornsakchai |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Phuttamonton 4 Road, Salaya, Nakonpathom 73170, Thailand;2. Center for Alternative Energy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Phuttamonton 4 Road, Salaya, Nakonpathom 73170, Thailand |
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Abstract: | Polymer matrix composites are generally studied in the form of bulk solids, and very few works have examined composite fibers. The research described here extended such bulk studies to fibers. The question is whether or not what has been reported for bulk polymers will be the same in fibers. In this article are reported studies of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), whereas those of linear low‐density polyethylene are reported in part II of this article series. Two types of filler were used, that is, organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT), in which the nanosized filler particles had a high aspect ratio, and microsized calcium carbonate (CaCO3), with an aspect ratio nearer to unity. Composite fibers of both as‐spun and highly drawn forms were prepared, and their structures, morphology, and mechanical properties were studied. It was found that the microsized particles gave HDPE composite fibers with mechanical properties that were the same as those of the neat polymer. In the case of clay composite fibers, the clay interfered with the yield process, and the usual yield point could not be observed. The particle shape did not affect the mechanical properties. The fibers showed different deformation morphologies at low draw ratios. The CaCO3 composite fibers showed cavities, which were indicative of low interaction between the polymer and the filler. The OMMT composite fibers showed platelets aligned along the fibers and good polymer–filler interaction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012 |
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Keywords: | composites fibers polyethylene (PE) |
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