The influence of alumina nanofibers on the physical and mechanical properties of mineral-filled polyethylene: an experimental study

Improvement of physical and mechanical characteristics of mineral-filled polyethylene (MFPE) upon addition of alumina nanofibers with a high aspect ratio has been experimental studied. It is shown that, at the weight concentration of alumina nanofibers of 0.1 wt.%, the ultimate tensile strength increases from 3.82 $\pm$ 0.04 to 6.70 $\pm$ 0.07 MPa and the Young’s modulus increases from 1.08 $\pm$ 0.01 to 1.38 $\pm$ 0.01GPa (with respect to MFPE). The MFPE/Al$_2$O$_3$ nanofiber composite can be described within a model of weak adhesive interaction between a filler and a matrix with high friction.