This work evaluates the morphology, thermal, tensile strength and rheological properties of the composite of low-density polyethylene and aluminum (LDPEAl) obtained from recycled long-life packaging. The presence of aluminum in the composite was observed through morphological analysis. The mechanical tests showed that the aluminum presence (4% by weight) increased Young's modulus, but reduced the tensile strength and elongation at break. The rheological profile of the composite was not influenced by the aluminum presence at high shear rates compared with the pure LDPE. However, a small difference at low shear rates is presented.
BaderM.G., Reinforced Thermoplastics, In:Fabrication of Composites, Kelly, A., Mileiko, S. T., Elsevier Science Publishers B. V, Chapter 6, pp. 177–220 (1983).
3.
RusuM., SofianN., and RusuD., Mechanical and thermal properties of zinc powder filled high density polyethylene composites, Polymer Testing, 20, (2001) 409–417.
4.
LuytA.S., MolefiJ.A., and KrumpH., Thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of copper filled low-density and linear low-density polyethylene composites, Polymer Degradation and Stability, 1–8 (2005).
5.
TavmanI.H., Thermal and mechanical properties of aluminium powder filled high-density polyethylene composites, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 62, (1996) 2161–2167.
6.
VinagradovG.V. and MalkinA.Y., Rheology of Polymers, Mir Publishers, Moscow, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York (1980).
7.
ChartoffR.P. and EriksenE.H., Rheological properties of amorphous polymers containing platelet fillers, In:Polymer Composites: Proceedings, 28th Microsymposium (1985).
8.
HaworthB., RaymondC.L., and SutherlandI., Polyethylene and compound mineral fillers modified by acid coating. 2: Factors influencing mechanical properties, Polymer Engineering and Science, 41, (2001) 1345–1363.
9.
PrenticeP., Rheology and its role in plastics processing, Rapra Review Reports, 7 (1995).
10.
PuzánszkyB., TüdõsF. and KelenT., The effect of fillers on the rheological and mechanical properties of polypropylene composites, in: Polymer Composites, Editor SedlácekBlahoslav, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, New York (1986).
11.
GahleitnerM., BernreitnerK., and NeiblW., Correlations between rheological and mechanical properties of mineral filled polypropylene compounds, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 53, (1994) 283–289.
