| Abstract: | A systematic study of the mechanical properties of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) filled with cellulose was conducted. When benzoyl peroxide (BPO) was used and when the components were mixed at 160°, the yield strength of the LLDPE/cellulose composite increased by 70% whereas that of HDPE increased by only 15%. If BPO is replaced by dicumyl peroxide (DCP) the yield strength attains a plateau value at a lower concetration. Yield strength for the cellulose/LLDPE system, where the cellulose had been pretreated with silane, showed a relatively small improvement as compared to the effect of the peroxides addition. The presence of gel in the compound is also discussed. |
