Abstract

In this study, an experimental study and a computer aided simulation (CAE) have been performed to predict some mechanical properties of basalt filled low density polyethylene (LDPE) composite materials. This study uncovered that the basalt addition in the LDPE matrix affected the mechanical properties of the composite. In addition, the computer aided study results showed a consistency with the experimental study. These and similar studies are beneficial to the material determination of machine components, building structures, molds, dies, etc. Consequently, some satisfactory results have been obtained about the mechanical properties of LDPE composite up to 30% of basalt addition. Furthermore, a comparison has been realized between experimental and computational results. This study is promising about using computational design processes instead of the experimental procedures. Thus, both time spent will be able to significantly shorten and costs can be reduced.

Key words: Plastics, fillers, molding, mechanical properties, microstructure, CAE.