The Determining Role of Inorganic Particles on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Reinforced Polyethylene Composites

Abstract

The interactions between basalt chosen as a reinforcement material and low-density polyethylene ( LDPE) chosen as a matrix material in polymer matrix composite (PMC) were investigated in this study. A variety of mechanical tests were performed on the resultant composites, which had appropriate compositions. Tensile, flexural, density, and hardness tests have been carried out, and the relationship between the basalt content and properties were examined. Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) facilities were applied on surfaces of composites. The addition of basalt increases the flexural strength, elastic modulus, density, and hardness while decreasing the tensile strain to fracture, toughness, and fracture energy.