LDPE-Isophthalic Acid-Modified Egg Shell Powder Composites (LDPE/ESPI)

The effects of chemical modification on the mechanical properties, morphology and water absorption of low density polyethylene/egg shell powder composites were studied. the mechanical and morphological properties of low density polyethylene/egg shell powder composites with and without modifications (naoh-isophthalic acid) have been characterised by an instron machine and by scanning electron microscopy (sem). the composites were prepared by using a z-blade mixer at 180°c and at a rotor speed of 50 rpm for 6 min. the interfacial adhesion has enhanced the tensile strength and water absorption resistance of the ldpe/modified egg shell powder composites (ldpe/espi), as compared to ldpe/unmodified egg shell powder composites (ldpe/esp). both the introduction of interfacial adhesion to composites and better interaction adhesion between ldpe and egg shell powder are responsible for the improvement of the mechanical properties of the ldpe/espi, as evidenced by sem on the tensile fracture surface of the composites.