Effect of silane coupling agents on mechanical properties of Nano-SiO2 filled high-density polyethylene composites

Abstract

Composites with nano-SiO2 particles and high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix were produced by hot pressing with various particle contents and particle surface treatment using commercially available silane coupling agents: gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane and gamma-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxy silane. The influence of the particle treatment on the mechanical properties of composites was determined by compression and indentation tests. Additionally, numerical analysis was performed in order to calculate Young's modulus and stress concentrations for various particle contents in order to provide reference data by simulating micro- and macro particle composites with perfect bonding to the matrix.