MECHANICAL AND RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CARBON-BLACK FILLED POLYETHYLENE

The mechanical and rheological properties of high density polyethylene filled with carbon black have been examined. Two sources of carbon black (one commercial and other obtained from a pyrolysis process) and various treatments have been studied. The rheological measurements in the melt state has been performed on a Rheometrics stress rheometer and a capillary rheometer. These materials possess outstanding hardness and toughness showing great potential for structural application. Comparison of carbon black from two sources showed that the carbon from the pyrolysis process has a good potential as a reinforcing agent. It was found that surface treatment reduces the particle-particle interactions and improves the filler dispersion. The relationship between the yield stresses, filler percentage, surface modification by the coupling agents and mechanical properties is discussed.