Reinforcement of Polyethylene by Surface-Modified Kaolins

Abstract

The tensile and impact strength of kaolin-filled polyethylene was found to be dependant on the modulus of the matrix in the vicinity of the filler surfaces and the strength of the filler-matrix bonds, as well as on the degree of dispersion of the kaolin particles on the polyethylene. Improved reinforcement was obtained by the use of novel fillers consisting of kaolin particles encapsulated with high-modulus, surface-bonded, reactive oxyaluminum acylate polymers.