Mechanical and thermal properties of copper-powder-filled high density polyethylene composites

HDPE/copper powder composites have been characterised from the point of view of mechanical and thermal properties. Results are presented for copper contents varying between 0 and 24 vol%. Generally, the composites present poorer mechanical properties than the unfilled polymer but a better thermal stability. The experimental data were interpreted using appropriate theoretical models and morphological information based on optical microscopy.