| abstract |
Hydroxyl-containing filler reinforced thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefins, are disclosed having improved physical properties such as impact strength, break strength and flexural modulus. The filler is compatibilized with a thermoplastic polymer containing labile atoms by mixing the two together in the presence of a coupling agent, such as maleic anhydride and a free radical initiator such as a peroxide catalyst. In a preferred embodiment, clay is coated with polyethylene by mixing the two in the presence of a peroxide catalyst and maleic anhydride and the coated filler is then compounded with additional polyethylene. In another preferred embodiment, a filler is coated with a polyolefin having a high melt index and the coated filler is then compounded with a polyolefin having a lower melt index. Also disclosed are various means for molding the compatibilized composites of this invention. |