The mechanical properties of composites based on the inorganic boron oxide oligomer (BOO) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) produced by extrusion and injection molding have been studied in the range of volume fractions of the inorganic component from 0 to 64 vol%. An abrupt increase in the Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength of the composites in the vicinity of 30 vol% BOO has been found. These critical properties are accompanied by a stepwise decrease in the elongation at break at the same volume fraction of the inorganic component. The mechanical properties of BOO/LDPE composites were compared with the same characteristics of composites based on LDPE and polymethyl methacrylate prepared via a similar way. The electron microscopic examination has suggested that the abnormal concentration dependences of the Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break of BOO/LDPE composites are conditioned by the formation of the unidirectional microfibers of the inorganic oligomer as soon as its volume fraction exceeds the critical threshold. POLYM. COMPOS., 00:000-000, 2018.
FIG. 3. Thermomechanical curves of BOO/LDPE blends:(1) 0/100, (2) 100/0, (3) 5/95, (4) 10/90, (5) 15/85, (6) 23/77, and (7) 40/60.