Influence of the Copper-Containing SBA-15 Silica Fillers on the Mechanical Properties of High Density Polyethylene

Abstract

The paper concerns the mechanical properties of the high density polyethylene (HDPE) with the copper-containing SBA-15 silica filler. The considered filler is the SBA-15 mesoporous silica containing copper ions bounded inside channels via propyl-phosphonate anchoring groups. With its help, we can impart the biocidal properties to this plastic. Research covered mechanical properties, thermal analysis, colour, shine, and nanomolecular structure. Dynamical properties of the samples like modulusE′changes and mechanical core loss angle tangenttgδversus temperature and vibration frequency were tested using DMTA method. Level of crystallinity was tested using DSC method while their structure was observed with going through light by optical microscope. Hardness and toughness of obtained samples were also defined. Colour and shine changes of the samples were observed for PE-HD with filler contents 0.5% and 1%. Modulus value changes versus temperature and frequency were notified for the samples with modifier. There were no differences in modulus changes versus temperature for samples with and without filler and frequencies 1 and 10 Hz. It was detected that melting enthalpy of the samples with the modifier decreases. Moreover, some influence of the samples with filler on colour and shine was observed.