Studies on structure and properties of HDPE functionalized through ultraviolet irradiation and its blends with CaCO3

The structure and properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) functionalized through ultraviolet irradiation in air and its blends with CaCO3 were studied by Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurement, Molau test, and mechanical properties test. The experimental results reveals that oxygen-containing groups such as C=O and C-O were introduced onto the molecular chains of HDPE through ultraviolet irradiation in air, and the groups' concentration increases with irradiation time. After irradiation, the water contact angle of HDPE becomes smaller, showing that the hydrophilicity of irradiated HDPE increases. Compared with those of HDFE/CaCO3 blend, the dispersion of CaCO3 particles in irradiated HDPE/CaCO3 blend, the interface interaction between CaCO3 particles and irradiated HDPE matrix, and the mechanical properties of irradiated HDPE/CaCO3 blend are improved due to the introduction of polar groups.