To achieve reinforcement and coloring in one combined process of polymer production, a dye-loaded shell powder (DPSP) based on Congo red and pearl shell powder was prepared and used as a versatile bio-filler in low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The DPSP was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical, thermal, and colorimetric properties of prepared LDPE/DPSP composites were investigated as well. Adding DPSP could significantly increase the strength and stiffness of LDPE composites while giving an outstanding coloring performance. Moreover, the impact strength of LDPE composites was improved at lower filler loading rate, and the maximum incorporation content could reach 10 wt % with a good balance between toughness and stiffness of LDPE composites. The thermal performance studies confirmed an increase in thermal stability and heat resistance of LDPE composites with the incorporation of DPSP. V C 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44118.

Filling and colorating are two important procedures in the polymer production. In this work, a bio-filler dye-loaded shell powder (DPSP) was prepared at first and then its filling and colorating effects on low density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer were investigated. SEM analysis showed the good dispersion of DPSP and strong interfacial adhesion. Mechanical property studies indicated that the incorporation of DPSP had an excellent filling effect at lower loading rate. Uniform color distribution in the specimens was also obtained at the premise of improving the mechanical performance of LDPE polymer. Vicat softening temperature tests indicated that the incorporation of DPSP could enhance the heat resistance of the composites. The optimal additive amount of DPSP was determined as 10 wt.% with a good balance between toughness and stiffness of LDPE composites.

An improved understanding of a filler’s surface properties is important for determining the most effective polymer reinforcement fillers. In this work, the surface characteristics of two biofillers, namely, clam shell modified by hydrochloric acid (AMF) and furfural (FMF), were investigated using inverse gas chromatography (IGC). The IGC results showed that the dispersive surface energy (γ(S)(D)) contributed the major part to the total surface energy for the biofillers. The values changed as a function of surface coverages, meaning that both samples were energetically fairly heterogeneous. The γ(S)(D) calculated with the Dorris–Gray method was larger than that calculated with the Schultz method, with a γ(S,Dorris–Gray)(D)/γ(S,Schultz)(D) ratio of 1.10. Compared to AMF, FMF possessed higher γ(S)(D) value; however, this difference was compensated by specific (acid–base) surface energy (γ(S)(AB)). Both samples predominantly interacted with ethanol and acetonitrile, implying an amphoteric nature of the material surfaces. Gutmann acid and base number profiles indicated that the surfaces of both samples were more basic in nature. The FMF showed a lower total work of cohesion (W(Coh)(total)) value compared to the AMF, which could lead to an increase in composite performance.