Mechanical properties of HDPE/MILLDPE blends for vacuum thermoforming

Abstract

Three types of metallocene linear low density polyethylene (MLLDPE) were blended with high density polyethylene (HDPE) at various percent weights : 10% 20%, 30% and 40% to improve the mechanical properties i.e., impact strength and coefficient of friction. The results shows that impact strength and coefficient of friction were increased when MLLDPE content increased whereas flexural modulus and heat distortion temperature were decreased. In addition, the mechanical properties revealed that three types of HDPE/MLLDPE blends at 20% and 30% MLLDPE contents were suitable for manufacturing of pick up truck liner. Thermal analysis shows that both polymer resins were compatible. Then, HDPE/MLLDPE blends were subjected to vacuum thermoforming process, it was obtained high impact high impact strength and coefficient of friction.