Résumé
The effects of Neodymium (Nd) on the electrical properties of low density polyethylene in relation with morphological aspects are reported in this article. Scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy revealed a quasi-uniform dispersion of Nd particles in polyethylene, both individual particles and clusters being observed. Contact angle measurements showed a decrease of contact angle values and, thus, of surface hydrophobicity, with the increase of Nd content. The addition of Nd in polyethylene determined the increase of electric permittivity and conductivity. The variation of permittivity was explained considering the influence of polar species (additives, oxidation products, neodymium oxide), highlighted by Fourier transform infrared analysis.