Characterization of polyethylene/silica nanocomposites using different rheological analyses

Polyethylene (PE)/silica polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) were investigated mainly using rheological measurements. Various PEs [linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE)] were selected as polymer matrices, and two comparable particulate silicas were utilized as favorable (hydrophobic, R202) or unfavorable (hydrophilic, A90) fillers. Small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS), large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS), elongational rheometry, tensile tests, and TEM were adopted to characterize PE/silica PNCs. LDPE/silica nanocomposites showed the best filler dispersion in TEM images but were the poorest in terms of rheological property enhancement. Linear viscoelasticity as determined by SAOS testing was discordant with their morphology. However, nonlinear viscoelasticity as determined by FT-rheology in LAOS testing adequately determined dispersion states. Elongational viscosity revealed LDPE/silica PNCs show strain-hardening behavior, which resulted in intense mixing conditions and best compatibilization on LDPE/silica PNCs. To quantify the strain-hardening effect, strain hardening coefficients (SHCs) were calculated for LDPE/silica PNCs and found to decrease with increasing silica concentration. In addition, tensile testing showed mechanical properties deteriorated with silica content.