Study on the Properties and Structure of Rotationally Moulded Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Filled with Quartz Flour

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine selected properties of thin-walled rotationally moulded composite parts. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) filled with quartz flour (QF, 5–35 wt.%) was tested. High-density polyethylene functionalized with maleic anhydride (HDPE-g-MA) was used as a compatibility agent. Polymer samples were prepared with and without the compatibility agent (2 wt.% in relation to the QF content). The study investigated the effect of QF content and HDPE-g-MA on the properties of rotationally moulded parts, including their melt flow rate (MFR), thermal properties (DSC and TGA), thermomechanical properties (VST), mechanical and physical properties, microstructure, and geometry. Results showed that the properties of LLDPE/QF with HDPE-g-MA were significantly higher than those of LLDPE/QF without HDPE-g-MA. It was also found that the compatibility agent improved the composite material’s thermal stability. This improvement was attributed to interactions occurring between the composite material components due to the use of the compatibility agent. In addition to that, microscopic examination demonstrated that the use of HDPE-g-MA improved miscibility of the composite material components. The composite samples containing HDPE-g-MA had better surface geometry.

Recent Developments in Inorganic Composites in Rotational Molding

“…Głogowska et al [ 17 ] obtained LLDPE-rotomolded composites with up to 35% quartz flour, using maleic anhydride-modified HDPE as a compatibilizer. This study did not notice any improvement in mechanical properties.…”

“…Alternatively, the use of inorganic fillers, such as clays [ 15 , 16 ], quartz [ 17 ], halloysite [ 18 ], glass fibers or powder [ 19 , 20 , 21 ], copper slag [ 22 ], or graphite [ 23 , 24 ] has also been explored. This review focuses on the use of these types of materials in rotational molding, with particular attention to those coming from waste or natural origin.…”

Preparation and Characterization of Quartz-Reinforced Hybrid Composites Based on Unsaturated Polyester Resin from Post-Consumer PET Recyclate

“…Quartz is often used as a filler in polymer matrices such as polyethylene [ 9 , 10 ], polypropylene [ 11 , 12 ], poly(lactic acid) [ 13 ], poly(ethylene glycol) [ 14 ], poly(methyl methacrylate) [ 15 ], polyester resin [ 16 ], epoxy resin [ 17 , 18 ] and vinyl ester resin [ 19 ].…”

Development of an Ultrasonic Method for the Quality Control of Polyethylene Tanks Manufactured Using Rotational Molding Technology

“…Products obtained via the rotational molding of plastics are characterized by a long service life, chemical resistance, and low cost [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. At present, the development of new formulations based on various polymers [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ] and fillers for rotational molding is being carried out at an accelerated pace; compositions with clay [ 11 , 12 ], quartz [ 13 ], halloysite [ 14 ], glass fiber or powder [ 15 , 16 , 17 ], copper slag [ 18 ], or graphite [ 19 , 20 ] have also been proposed.…”