The use of volcanic particles in HDPE offers alternative filling material against CaCO3. Part II-scratch properties

This article clarifies that the influence of volcanic particles (VPs) and calcium carbonate particles (CaCO3) on the scratch behavior of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Melt compounding was carried out using a twin-screw microcompounder and then injection molding with various VPs and CaCO3 contents such as 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 wt% was performed for preparing test samples. Scratch testing was performed using the testing apparatus and methodology outlined in ASTM D7027-05 with 60 mm/min scratch velocities of 200 mu m stainless steel ball bearing scratch tip. Coefficient of friction (COF) and scratch hardness values of various VPs- and CaCO3-filled HDPE composites were determined. Results showed that COF and scratch hardness values were improved with higher inorganic particle concentrations. It was found that VPs was more effective filler for the scratch properties of HDPE than CaCO3. After scratch tests, scratch damage mechanisms were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2564-2572, 2019. (c) 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers