DSC Studies on Fibre-Filled Polyethylene

Abstract Four kinds of inorganic fibres: carbon, silica glass, brass and aluminium, were filled in two kinds of low density polyethylenes (PE, Melt Flow Rates (MFR) at 190°C, 2.16 kg; 4 and 8 g/10 min) by extrusion molding. The filling ratio of fibres was varied from 0 to about 20% in volume. The melting and crystallization of the above systems were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The fibre-filled PE was crystallized at a temperature higher than that of the original PE. This phenomenon was observed through a wide range of cooling rate. The temperature of the main melting peak moved slightly to the low temperature side and a broad shoulder peak appeared, as the filling ratio of fibre increased. It was also recognized that the maximum temperature of the molten state affected the crystallization behavior of the system. This was observed for the fibre-filled PE having low melt flow rate. The variation of fibre species scarcely affected the melting and crystallization behavior. The results suggested that the filled fibre accelerated the nucleation process and retarded the crystal growth of PE.