| Abstract: | The effects of ultrasonic oscillations on the rheological and viscoelastic properties and morphology of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/Illite (70/30) composites were studied. The experimental results showed that the die pressure and apparent viscosity of the HDPE/Illite (70/30) composites were reduced greatly, and so the mass‐flow rate significantly increased in the presence of ultrasonic oscillations during the extrusion. Scanning electron microscopy and linear viscoelasticity tests showed that ultrasonic oscillations improved the dispersion of the Illite particles into the HDPE matrix. The aggregation of the Illite particles disappeared on the fractured surfaces of HDPE/Illite (70/30) composites extruded in the presence of ultrasonic oscillations, and this indicated that ultrasonic oscillations promoted the homogeneous dispersion of Illite particles into the HDPE matrix. Ultrasonic oscillations caused the permanent reduction of the dynamic viscosity and zero‐shear viscosity of HDPE/Illite (70/30) composites. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 379–384, 2005 |
