Crystallization and mechanical properties of T-ZnOw/HDPE composites

In the present work, the effect of a new type of tetra-needle-shaped zinc oxide whisker (T-ZnOw) on crystallization behavior and properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been intensively researched. Our results show that, although the interfacial interaction between HDPE and T-ZnOw is very weak, addition of T-ZnOw induces the increase of relative crystallinity and the decrease of lamellar thickness in composites. Mechanical test shows that T-ZnOw induces the gradual decline of impact toughness of composites due to the weak interaction between T-ZnOw and HDPE matrix. Based on the fractograph of composites, it has been deduced that during the impact process, the microvoid forms firstly in the interface of T-ZnOw/HDPE, and then propagates to the matrix, resulting in the formation of macrocrack and finally leading to the fracture of the sample. As expected, addition of T-ZnOw induces the gradual enhancement of the modulus of the composites with the increasing content of T-ZnOw.