Properties of Metal-Containing Composites Based on Blends of Low- and High-Density Polyethylene

Composite materials based on blends of low- and high-density polyethylene, containing finely dispersed zinc oxide, were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, differential thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The strength and strain characteristics of the composite and its resistance to thermal oxidative degradation are improved on introducing finely dispersed zinc oxide. This is apparently associated with the formation of interphase bonds between zinc-containing nanoparticles and polymer compound components. The nanocomposites based on blends of low- and high-density polyethylene, containing finely dispersed zinc oxide, can be processed by pressing, pressure casting, and extrusion, which expands their application fields.