Mechanical and thermal properties of zinc powder filled high density polyethylene composites

HDPE/zinc powder composites have been characterised from the point of view of mechanical and thermal properties. Results are presented for zinc powder contents varying between 0 and 20% by volume. Generally, the composites present poorer mechanical properties as compared to the unfilled polymer. The density and hardness of HDPE/zinc composites are higher than that for the unfilled polymer. The thermal stability of the HDPE charged with zinc powder is better that for the unfilled polymer. The incorporation of zinc powder in HDPE increases the thermal diffusivity and conductivity and decreases the specific heat, The experimental data were interpreted using appropriate theoretical models. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.