Influence of injection moulding process parameters on high-density polyethylene surface hardness

Abstract

Commodity polymers are a common part of everyday life. They consist mainly of polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene. They are primarily used for ease of processing, cost and especially chemical resistance. The disadvantages of these polymers are low mechanical properties as well as temperature resistance. Any improvement in the mechanical properties can extend the application possibilities of the commodity polymers to the areas reserved for the construction polymers. This paper deals with changing two injection moulding process parameters-melt and mould temperature to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) surface hardness. HDPE hardness was measured using the method of Depth-Sensing Indentation (DSI) on three different instruments (ultranano-, nano- and micro-hardness tester). It has been found that as the melt and mould temperature increases, the hardness slightly increases. © 2020 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland.