Effect of various alumina nano-fillers on the thermal and mechanical behaviour of low-density polyethylene-Al2O3 composites

Two different alumina powders were dispersed in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to evaluate if any role can be ascribed to the crystalline phase, size and morphology of the alumina filler. In particular a submicrometric α-alumina and a nanocrystalline transition (γ/δ) alumina were added to the polymer at 5 wt% concentration, using a Brabender mixing unit. Both the neat inorganic fillers showed a good dispersibility in the polyolefin. The thermal and mechanical properties of the composites obtained were evaluated. As expected, a significant increase of the stiffness and abrasion resistance of LDPE was achieved in both cases. Furthermore, the composites showed a higher thermo-oxidative stability with respect to neat LDPE. Independent of their crystalline phase, size and morphology, both fillers gave a similar enhancement of composite features.