Effect of silicon carbide particles on the mechanical, thermal and structural properties of recycled high-density polyethylene

In this research work, recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE)/silicon carbide (SiC) composites were produced by melt compounding followed by injection moulding technique. It has been revealed from the mechanical properties that the addition of SiC increases the hardness, density, flexural strength of the composite and tensile strength of the composite. The impact strength at 15 wt-% SiC composite gives the best results. From the thermal analysis, it was observed that the addition of SiC in rHDPE increases the melting point and total enthalpy of crystallisation. The residual value of rHDPE composites increases with the rise in filler loading which enhances the thermal stability of the composites. Melt flow index (MFI) decreases with the increased in silicon carbide. The heat deflection temperature (HDT) increased with the loading of filler content. The contact angle analysis revealed the hydrophilic nature of the composite. MFI reduced with the incorporation of filler content. The SEM images concluded the agglomeration of the composite at higher filler fractions. These results confirm the possibility of using rHDPE/SiC composite to produce various parts for household commodities and structural applications.