Influence of calcium carbonate and slip agent addition on linear medium density polyethylene processed by rotational molding

Abstract

In this paper, the influence of calcium carbonate and slip agent on linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) processed by rotational molding was evaluated. LMDPE was dry blended with different CaCO 3 masterbatch ratios, erucamide slip agent and then extruded, micronized and rotomolded. The powder samples were characterized using MFI (Melting flow index), dry flow and bulk density. The characterization of rotomolded samples properties was performed by DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry), microscopy analysis, izod impact and tensile test. The results pointed out that the CaCO 3 addition modifies the bulk density compared to neat LMDPE, but did not significantly affect the dry flow and MFI. The erucamide addition decreased the dry flow and increased the bulk densities. The porosity degree data showed that CaCO 3 addition in the LMDPE increased the quantity of pores. The DSC results showed no significant difference in the crystallinity degree. The behavior of porosity led to a decrease in the mechanical properties of LMDPE with the CaCO 3 addition.

Rotational Molding of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Composites Filled with Wheat Bran

“…Previous research on the rotational molding technique partly overlaps with the obtained VST measurement results, where the addition of the filler did not significantly affect the heat resistance of the composite [55,56], or even worsened it [57]. Usually, the occurrence of significant material porosity is indicated as the main reason for the deterioration of materials properties of rotomolded composites [58].…”

Rotomolding and polyethylene composites with rotomolded lignocellulosic materials: A review

“…4,15,41,76 This equipment was not used to mold composites with natural fiber, but with inorganic fillers. 43,45,54 • Carrousel machine: consists of three separate stations. This type of machine works well with similar heating and cooling cycles on each arm and more available space (producing small and large parts).…”

“…The use of rotomolding for thermosetting materials was also observed, such as epoxy resins, 39 polyurethane, 40 phenolic resins, 41 and unsaturated polyester. 1,42 Inorganic fillers used in rotomolded material include wollastonite 43 and halloysite clay, 44 calcium carbonate, 45 graphite, 30,46,47 silica, 48–51 carbon nanotubes, 52 glass fibers, 52–55 and carbon. 52…”

“…The use of rotomolding for thermosetting materials was also observed, such as epoxy resins, 39 polyurethane, 40 phenolic resins, 41 and unsaturated polyester. 1,42 Inorganic fillers used in rotomolded material include wollastonite 43 and halloysite clay, 44 calcium carbonate, 45 graphite, 30,46,47 silica, [48][49][50][51] carbon nanotubes, 52 glass fibers, [52][53][54][55] and carbon. 52 The organic lignocellulosic fillers studied were cabuya (Andean sisal, Furcraea cabuya) 11 and sisal (Agave sisalana); 11,15 wood fiber; 12 flax; 15 oil palm empty fruit bunch; 56 agave (sisal species native to Central America, Agave tequilana); 13,14,57,58 pine wood; 59 coir, 59 maple wood; 60 banana and abaca´; 61 maple; 3,62 and hemp.…”

Preparation and characterization of multilayer foamed composite by rotational molding

“…There is also limited pressure on the materials to control its compaction and assure good adhesion between each phase/layers. Rotational molding can be decomposed into four stage as shown in Figure , but more details on materials and processing can be found elsewhere .…”