EFFECT OF SAND ADDITION ON THE TENSILE PROPERTIES OF COMPRESSION MOLDED SAND POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITE SYSTEM/

The effect of sand particle size, shape and content on the solid-state deformation, flow and fracture behavior of sand-reinforced polyethyle ne (SRPE) composite samples was investigated. The overall response of the composite system is highlighted and analyzed in terms of the pheno mena resulting from the mutual interaction between the constituent, sa nd filler and polymer matrix, phases. Sand of smaller particle size re sulted in higher reinforcing ability. Below a sand particle size of 35 0 mu m, a stiffening effect was observed as the sand content increased from 5 to 25 wt%. Larger particle size reduced the tensile modulus of the composite samples. The tensile strength was observed to be a decr easing linear function of the sand content, with a negative slope and depends on the sand particle size. The yield stress, ductility and ene rgy absorbed to fracture were reduced with the sand addition. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.