On the possibility of replacement of calcium carbonate by a high-performance, economically viable filler in polyethylene composites

Mohammadnabi Hesabi, Shane Brennan, Quentin Boulard, Francois Le Blanc, Ian Major

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is frequently added to polyethylene (PE) as a filler to reduce costs. An alternative to CaCO3, calcium fluoride (CaF2) was proposed in this research. PE/CaCO3 and PE/CaF2 composites in a wide composition range (0–60 wt.%) were prepared through a parallel twin screw extruder. Results indicated better interaction of CaF2 with PE matrix which improved samples yield stress. Statistical analysis showed the filler type was more influential factor on the yield stress while filler loading was not a statistically significant one. In contrast, crystallinity was strongly depended on the filler loading. The dynamic mechanical and rheological investigations revealed that PE/CaF2 composites had higher stiffness at ambient temperature and possessed lower viscosity below 40 wt.% of filler loading compared to PE/CaCO3 which could reduce the processing cost. Therefore, regarding its low price and good functional properties, CaF2 can be a promising alternative to CaCO3.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)728-748
    Number of pages21
    JournalJournal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials
    Volume36
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Feb 2023

    Keywords

    • Calcium fluoride
    • circular economy
    • fillers
    • injection molding
    • statistical analysis

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