Evaluation on mechanical properties of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) biocomposite

Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) was blended with filler SiO₂ at a ratio up to 6% by extrusion to study the mechanical properties of the product. The Maleic Anhydride (MAH) was grafted into LLDPE- SiO₂ to determine the possible reaction. Dicumyl peroxide used as an initiator. The LLDPE-g-MAH composite filled with SiO₂ were extruded and melt-pressed in order to prepare samples for mechanical properties test. It showed 4% wt. of SiO₂ have the highest tensile strength and Young’s Modulus while 6% wt of SiO₂ is the highest ductility. From this study, it is found that SiO₂ and MA can improve the strength of polymer but must be at the right amount.