Effect of processing additives on electrical properties of carbon black-filled polyethylene composites

The composites of high density polyethylene with carbon black were prepared by melt-blending method. The effect of processing additives on electrical properties of carbon black-filled polyethylene composites was investigated in detail. It was found that viscosity of melts and positive temperature coefficient of electrical resistivity (PTC) were improved by the incorporation of zinc stearate due to the increased distribution of CB. On the other hand, addition of organosilicon oligomers led to a decrease in viscosity and had almost no effect on PTC.