Evaluation of the Composite Processing Based on High Density Polyethylene and Iron Mining Reject
Composite; High density polyethylene; HDPE; mining
reject.
In order to evaluate modifications promoted by different processing methodologies, four composite
materials based on High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and iron ore tailings were produced in the same
filler/matrix contents. The materials were studied by thermal, mechanical and morphological analysis.
The presence of the reject in the polymer matrix promoted an increase in mechanical resistance in all
materials produced. The modifications promoted by the addition of the fillers were more intense in the
materials prepared using the mixer, presenting better dispersion of the filler in the matrix, as shown by
the results of FTIR and SEM. The extruder was less efficient in the produced materials, due to the
significant partial loss of the waste during processing.