Polymer Composites of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) with Elongated Hematite (α-Fe2O3) Particles of Different Shapes

Due to the intensive search for new types of advanced polymer materials for targeted applications, this work offers insight into the properties of low-density polyethylene/hematite composites. The specific feature of this study lies in the use of elongated hematite particles of different shapes. Uniform ellipsoid-, peanut- and rod-shaped hematite particles were hydrothermally synthesized and incorporated into the polymer matrix of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE/hematite composites are prepared by melt mixing. Hematite particles are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The pure LDPE polymer and LDPE/hematite composites were studied by FT-IR and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy and by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The determination of the mechanical and barrier properties was also carried out. The obtained results indicate the influence of the elongated particles on the improvement of LDPE properties. An increase in thermal stability and UV-absorption was observed as well as the improvement of mechanical and barrier properties. The improvement of the composites’ properties in comparison to the pure LDPE is especially visible in the composites prepared with low content of hematite (0.25%). LDPE/hematite composites have promising characteristics for application as packaging materials with enhanced mechanical, thermal and barrier properties as well as UV-protective materials.