The production and examination of mechanical properties of clay filled low density polyethylene composites

The main purpose of this study is to produce particle-reinforced composite material. In the area of contact between the matrix material and the reinforcing material, an adhesion is intended. In this study, increase or decrease in strength is observed. To produce composite materials, clay reinforcement (bentonite) is added with a (1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) percent by weight into the polymer matrix (low-density polyethylene - LDPE) material. Alcohol is added to this mixture and mixed in a jar mill. The final mixture is put into an extruder to produce the composite rods. The composite rods produced in the extruder are broken in a roll crusher. Composite particles which are produced in roll crusher are added into injection to obtain composite plates. Samples of composite are tested by processing them according to Tensile (ASTM D680) and Bending (ASTM D790) test standards. In this study, strength increases and decreases between unreinforced LDPE and montmollonit reinforced composite materials are observed. Structure of composite material is supported by SEM images and the results are interpreted.