Coupling Agents used in Compounding

Since high density polyethylene (HOPE) is relatively inert it is difficult to achieve good interfacial adhesion in composites. Often maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene is added to HOPE to improve interfacial adhesion to the reinforcing fibres [56]. 

The use of coupling agents promotes a significant increase on the mechanical properties and in several studies it was showed that reduces the moisture content. Several of these studies revealed significant improvements on the modulus of elasticity, stiffness, tensile and/or flexural strength and fibre dispersion. 

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