Mechanical and rheological properties of reinforced polyethylene

Abstract The rheological and mechanical properties of a high density polyethylene (HDPE) filled with surface‐treated mica flakes are reported. Young's modulus decreases with different treatments, whereas break elongation and maximum strength slightly increase. Young's modulus increases with the addi ion of mica flakes, but the decrease in elongation is also quite significant. For 20% mica composites, hardly any change was observed in the properties. The high shear viscosity does not show any significant effect as a result of the surface treatment. Viscosity of composites increases with silane treatment and decreases with titanate treatment. It is suggested that the coupling agent, depending on its chemical structure and nature of the filler, may act as an adhesion promoter or as a lubricating agent.