Mechanical and morphological properties of recycled high-density polyethylene, filled with calcium carbonate and fly ash

In this study, mechanical and morphological properties of composites made up of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) filled with calcium carbonate and fly ash (FA) were studied. Interfacial interactions were modified to improve the filler compatibility and mechanical properties of the composites by surface treatment of the FA filler with 3-amino propyl triethoxy silane. The composites were prepared by using a Thermo Haake Rheomixer. Effect of filler loading and treatment of FA with silane coupling agent on mechanical and morphological properties were investigated and it was found that silane treatment indicated significant improvements on the mechanical properties of the HDPE-FA composites. The improvement with silane treatment of FA was also confirmed by applying the Pukanszky model. Scanning electron microscopy on the fracture surface of composites had given direct evidence of better interfacial adhesion via silane treatment. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.