Structure and properties of vibrating extruded high-density polyethylene sheet

The effect of vibration frequency and vibration amplitude on the microstructure and mechanical properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheets, obtained through electromagnetic dynamic plasticating extruder, were studied systematically. The mechanical properties, characterized by tensile and impact strengths, have been tested along the flowing and transverse directions (MD&TD). The mechanical tests show that the tensile strength and impact toughness, especially in TD, were much improved under the reciprocating axial vibration. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microcopy (SEM) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) were executed to analyze the microstructure of the samples. The results indicate that the vibration extrudate has higher crystallinity, perfect crystallite, and strong inter-spherulite ties, which account for enhancement of the mechanical properties of sheets, compared to conventional static extrusion.