Effect of GMA Polymer Compatibilizers on Highly Filled Composites of Low Density Polyethylene/Magnesium Hydroxide

Functional polymers such as polyethylene grafted glycidyl methacrylate (PE-g-GMA) and ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (E/MA/GMA) were used as compatibilizers in the preparation of highly filled composites of polyethylene/magnesium hydroxide(PE/MH). Comparative studies were performed on the effect of magnesium hydroxide and stearic acid on the interface within polymer and magnesium hydroxide composites. The effect of polymeric compatibilizers on the properties of the composites was studied using tensile and impact tests, torque rheological analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The microstructure of highly filled PE/MH composites changed after the addition of functional polymers. The mechanical properties of the composite material increased after compatibilization. The compatibilization processes of PE-g-GMA and E/MA/GMA were different. The grafted polymer was more compatible with polyethylene, which led to a polar polymer phase. In contrast, the tercopolymer tended to adhere to the surface of MH particles.