Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol.35, No.12, 1037-1045, 1995
Analysis of Titanium-Dioxide Agglomerate Dispersion in Linear Low-Density Polyethylene and Resulting Properties of Compounds
The dispersion of titanium dioxide agglomerates within linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) melts has been investigated by using a cone-and-plate device installed within a temperature controlled oven. Observation of fragment evolution indicates that erosion is the predominant mechanism of dispersion. The erosion rate of titanium dioxide agglomerates in LLDPE was consistent with the results obtained in previous dispersion studies of titanium dioxide in polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS). The effect of agglomerate dispersion on the optical, tensile, and dynamic mechanical properties of compounds incorporating titanium dioxide was also investigated. Changes in compound properties were correlated with observed morphology changes of agglomerates in order to clarify the effect of dispersion.
Keywords:SIMPLE SHEAR FLOWS;CARBON-BLACK;MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES;FILLED POLYMERS;PARTICLES;COMPOSITES;COATINGS;MELTS