Investigation of nano-talc as a filling material and a reinforcing agent in high density polyethylene (HDPE)

An experiment of producing high density polyethylene (HDPE) nano-composite filled with 4wt. % talc was presented. Acting as filler and a reinforcing agent in the HDPE, talc powder, sized at around 5 μm, was surface-treated with aluminum diethylene glycol dinitrate coupling agent before adding to the HDPE. Analyses of the reinforced HDPE nano-composite show significant improvement in its mechanical properties including, tensile strength (> 26 MPa), break elongation (< 1.1%), flexural strength (> 22 MPa), and friction coefficients < 0.11. The results demonstrate that, after surface-treated, talc can be used as a promising filling material and a reinforcing agent in making HDPE nano-composite.