Thermal and Rheological Characterization of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene-Mineral Blends for Rotational Molding

The thermal and rheological characteristics of linear low-density polyethylene composites loaded with chrysotile were examined to assess their potential for improving energy efficiency and thermal management in rotational molding. This process is fundamentally governed by heat transfer, where material properties directly dictate cycle time, energy consumption, and part quality. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy verified the chemical compatibility of blends containing 15–40% chrysotile. Melt flow index testing, conducted with high reproducibility, established the suitable processing range at 15–25% chrysotile (3.26–4.18 g/10 min). Critically, differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the 25% chrysotile composition not only showed a higher melting temperature but also a significantly reduced heat of fusion, indicating a lower energy requirement for melting during the heating phase of the molding cycle. thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated a substantial 145 °C increase in the maximum degradation temperature for the 25% blend, providing a crucial thermal stability margin against overheating during prolonged oven cycles. The findings demonstrate that a 25% chrysotile loading achieves an optimal balance, offering a pathway to more energy-efficient rotational molding through reduced thermal energy demand and enhanced process robustness, without compromising manufacturability.