Effects of testing speed and heat treatment on the fracture of kaolin-reinforced high density polyethylene

The fracture mechanics of kaolin-reinforced high density polyethylene was studied as a function of testing speed and heat treatment. Essential work of fracture (EWF) tests were performed using 20 v% and 30 v% kaolin on deeply double edge notched tension (DDENT) specimens with cracks oriented perpendicular to the mold fill direction, corresponding to a T-direction specimen. The particles and their orientation dominate the thermoelastic properties while the matrix orientation particularly in the skin dominates the toughness.