In this work, a series of cage siloxanes (spherosilicate [SS] type) was tested as functional additives for preparation of polyethylene (PE)‐based nanocomposites. For this purpose, the compounds were prepared by condensation and olefin hydrosilylation reactions. The effect of these products on properties of obtained nanocomposites was analyzed by means of mechanical, microscopic (scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy), crystallographic (X‐ray diffraction), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry), rheological Melt flow rate (MFR), and thermomechanical (heat deflection temperature) analyses. The results were compared with similar reports on silsesquioxane‐ and SS‐reinforced PE systems. Effects of SS functional group structure on the behavior of the additive and properties of the composite system were discussed. Aspects of thermal decomposition of PE‐containing SS were studied and a probable mechanism of these polymer systems degradation was proposed.

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The work presents a comprehensive profile of the physicochemical characteristics of opoka sedimentary rock in the context of its use as a hybrid filler for thermoplastics. Determining the functional parameters of the studied filler was the main aim of this research. Thermal treatment leads to changes in its morphology and phase composition. A wide range of physicochemical techniques was used, such as low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, FT-IR, TGA, XRD, optical, and electron microscopy. The susceptibility of the material to micronisation was also tested (ball milling). Due to its widespread occurrence, opoka can be an attractive alternative to fillers such as silica or chalk. In order to verify this statement, polypropylene composites thereof were prepared by melt blending and injection molding, and studied by mechanical testing and microscopic imaging.

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In this study, the influence of carbonate lake sediments (Polylactide/Carbonate Lake Sediments–PLA/CLS) on the mechanical and structural properties of polylactide matrix composites was investigated. Two fractions of sediments originating from 3–8 and 8–12 m were analysed for differences in particle size by distribution (Dynamic Light Scattering–DLS), phase composition (X-ray Diffraction–XRD), the presence of surface functional groups (Fourier Transform-Infrared–FT-IR), and thermal stability (Thermogravimetric Analysis–TGA). Microscopic observations of the composite fractures were also performed. The effect of the precipitate fraction on the mechanical properties of the composites before and after conditioning in the weathering chamber was verified through peel strength, flexural strength, and impact strength tests. A melt flow rate study was performed to evaluate the effect of sediment on the processing properties of the PLA/CLS composite. Hydrophobic-hydrophilic properties were also investigated, and fracture analysis was performed by optical and electron microscopy. The addition of carbon lake sediments to PLA allows for the obtention of composites resistant to environmental factors such as elevated temperature or humidity. Moreover, PLA/CLS composites show a higher flow rate and higher surface hydrophobicity in comparison with unmodified PLA.