Interface engineering via compatibilization in HDPE composite reinforced with sodium borosilicate hollow glass microspheres

In the present study dealing with hollow-sphere filled polymers, sodium borosilicate hollow glass microspheres (HGM) with the crushing strength of 30,000 psi were used as filler in high density polyethylene (HDPE). HGM remained intact in HDPE matrix with no sign of crushing during the compounding and injection molding operation. Polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) used as compatibilizer resulted in nano sized needle like structure in the HGM HDPE interfacial region that resulted in enhanced mechanical properties of HDPE HGM composites. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.