Potential composite materials based on polyethylene and yellow phosphorus slag: preparation and characterisation

In this study, the composite materials based on high density polyethylene (HDPE) and yellow phosphorus slag (YPS, by-product of yellow phosphorus production) were prepared using melt blending method in a Haake intermixer. Some kinds of YPS particles with different size were used as additives for the composites, in which, the YPS particles having size lower than 10 µm (L4 particle sample) were the most suitable additive for the composites based on HDPE. Thanks to the good dispersion of L4 particles in HDPE matrix, properties of HDPE/L4 composites such as mechanical, electrical and thermal properties, as well as flame resistance of HDPE/L4 composites were significantly improved. The HDPEL4 composite containing 5 wt.% of L4 particles had high tensile strength and elongation at break, regular structure, high thermal stability and good fire resistance. It is promising for the applications in technical fields.