High-density polyethylene biocomposites filled with hydroxyapatite: Adhesive wear, impact resistance and hardness

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine the influence of the percentage of hydroxyapatite (HA) on impact strength, adhesive wear and shore hardness in biocomposites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HA was obtained from eggshells after grinding, phosphating and calcination processes. The HDPE-HA biocomposites were manufactured by single-screw extrusion process, L/D: 20 to 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% weight of HA in a temperature range of 230-240°C. Characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of HA. The best results of the mechanical properties studied were presented in biocomposites with 20% HA, achieving an impact strength of 23.10 KJ/m2, an adhesive wear in terms of mass loss of 0.367g and a hardness of 19.77 Shore D. The research concludes that the addition of HA improves the properties of impact strength, adhesive wear and shore hardness in biocomposites with HDPE matrix, with 20% HA being the optimal addition percentage.