Manufacturing and Characterization of Low-Density Polyethylene Matrix Composites With Calcium Carbonate and Zinc Oxide: Enhanced Interaction of Micron and Nano-Sized Hybrid Fillers

Yucel U., ÇELİK ERBAŞ S., BAŞTÜRK S. B., Aydin L.

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, vol.143, no.7, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 143 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/app.70022
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Keywords: CaCO3 and ZnO additives, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), LDPE matrix composite, mechanical characterization, mechanical properties, thermal and thermo-mechanical analyses, thermal properties, thermoplastics
  • Manisa Celal Bayar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In the present work, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix composites were successfully prepared with micron-sized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and/or nano-sized zinc oxide (ZnO) fillers in the presence of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) without any surface modifications. A relatively simple procedure was used for composite production, unlike traditional techniques. The 5, 10, and 20 wt% CaCO3 and 0.5 or 1 wt% ZnO were used separately as well as in combination. Mechanical and thermal behaviors were evaluated through tensile, flexural, and hardness tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The combination of 20 wt% CaCO3 and 0.5 wt% ZnO achieved a 75% increase in modulus and a 30% increase in tensile strength. The composition of 20 wt% CaCO3 and 1 wt% ZnO exhibited a 24% increase in flexural stiffness and a 40% increase in flexural strength. This composition also provided the highest storage and loss modulus. Overall, adding either single or hybrid fillers enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties compared to the neat matrix. This improvement can be attributed to strong matrix-filler interactions, as confirmed by electron microscopy images.