Optimizing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) performance: utilizing diatomaceous earth filler and an innovative reversible crosslinking reaction agent (RXR).

This study employed reactive extrusion to produce micro-composites of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with different fractions of diatomaceous earth, both unmodified and modified, using a novel reversible crosslinking reaction agent (RXR) consisting of a combination of sulfur, organic peroxide, and an accelerator. The rheological behavior and crosslinking response of the system were measured using dynamic rheological analysis using a torque rheometer. The mechanical characteristics of the system were evaluated through tensile and impact tests. The thermal characteristics were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, while the structural and morphological properties were analyzed using wide-angle X-ray scattering, Fourier infrared transform, and scanning electron microscope. The mechanical properties of the HDPE resin were diminished by the inclusion of the diatomaceous earth due to aggregation and inadequate interfacial connections, whereas the thermal stability remained unaffected. Furthermore, the presence of diatomaceous earth led to enhancements in both crystallinity and lamellar thickness. The addition of the RXR agent improved the tensile and impacts strengths, caused by the crosslinking reaction. However, it had a detrimental effect on the degree of crystallinity and the size of the crystals formed. Analysis of mechanical, rheological, and crystallization properties demonstrated that the incorporation of diatomaceous earth and the diatomaceous earth-RXR agent combination showed potential as additives for HDPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]