Self-Reinforced High-Density Polyethylene Prepared by Low-Frequency, Vibration-Assisted Injection Molding. 1. Processing Conditions and Physical Properties

Using a low-frequency, vibration-assisted injection molding (VAIM) device, the effects of vibration variables (frequency and amplitude) on mechanical properties and thermal softening temperature of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) injection moldings were investigated. For VAIM-processed samples, the mechanical properties can be improved by changing vibration frequency and vibration pressure amplitude. Injected at a constant vibration pressure amplitude, a low range of frequency (below 0.7 Hz) was favorable for increasing yield strength; in the high range of frequency (0.7 Hz < f < 2.33 Hz) the yield strength remained at a plateau. Injected at a constant frequency (0.7 Hz) the yield strength increased sharply with decreased elongation when applying large vibration pressure amplitude. The maximal yield strength and Young's modulus were 60.6 MPa and 2.1 GPa for a VAIM sample compared with 39.8 MPa and 1.0 GPa for a conventional injection-molded (CIM) sample, respectively; there was also a 10°C increase in Vicat softening point temperature.