Abstract
This work aims at the evaluation of morphological and mechanical properties of HDPE composites developed with wood flour (Pinus taeda), calcined alumina and two different types of compatibilizing agents. In order to improve the interaction between the polymer matrix and wood flour 2% maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene was used in all formulations. For comparison a formulation with triethoxyvinylsilane as compatibilizer for the calcined alumina was developed. The filler content ranged from 4% to 33% for the single filler composite while the percentage of 28% was kept as such for the two-fillers composites. The interaction between the polymer matrix and fillers, provided by the maleic anhydride compatibilizer agent, could be observed in the micrographs of the matrix / filler interface. The silane did not improve the mechanical properties of the composite. Free alumina composites showed higher tensile strength, but concerning flexural strength the presence of alumina contributed to increased values in this property. This was probably caused by the reduced interaction between the interface of its grain and the polymer matrix.
Keywords:
composite; HDPE; wood flour; calcined alumina; maleic anhydride
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