Toughening of Epoxy with Preformed Polyethylene Thermoplastic Filler

The potential of polyethylene as a thermoplastic filler towards improving the fracture properties of epoxy resin was explored. Oxo-degradable films were subjected to thermo-oxidative exposure, and the oxidized polyethylene (OPE) was extracted with acetone to remove low molecular weight products (APE). The presence of functionalities led to its homogenous dispersion in the epoxy matrix. Blending of epoxy with OPE and APE led to significant improvement in both quasi-static and impact properties, as evidenced by 44% increase in GIC and 21% increase in impact strength at loadings of 3% w/w. The strain rate sensitivity of the composites was also investigated.