scholarly journals Evaluation of Novel Compatibility Strategies for Improving the Performance of Recycled Low-Density Polyethylene Based Biocomposites

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 3486
Author(s):  
Mahmoud M. A. Nassar ◽  
Ishaq Sider

The interfacial compatibility of the natural filler and synthetic polymer is the key performance characteristic of biocomposites. The fillers are chemically modified, or coupling agents and compatibilisers are used to ensure optimal filler-polymer compatibility. Hence, we have investigated the effect of compatibilisation strategies of olive pits (OP) flour content (10, 20, 30, and 40%wt.) filled with recycled low-density polyethylene (rLDPE) on the chemical, physical, mechanical, and thermal behaviour of the developed biocomposites. In this study, we aim to investigate the filler-polymer compatibility in biocomposites by employing novel strategies for the functionalisation of OP filler and/or rLDPE matrix. Specifically, four cases are considered: untreated OP filled rLDPE (Case 1), treated OP filled rLDPE (Case 2), treated OP filled functionalised rLDPE (Case 3), and treated and functionalised OP filled functionalised rLDPE (Case 4). In general, the evaluation of the performance of biocomposites facilitated the application of OP industrial waste as an eco-friendly reinforcing agent for rLDPE-based biocomposites. Furthermore, surface treatment and compatibilisation improved the properties of the developed biocomposites over untreated filler or uncoupled biocomposites. Besides that, the compatibilisers used aided in reducing water uptake and improving thermal behaviour, which contributed to the stability of the manufactured biocomposites.

Author(s):  
Maria Cecíllia Ramos de Araújo Veloso ◽  
Mário Vanoli Scatolino ◽  
Maria Margarida Boavida Pontes Gonçalves ◽  
Mara Lúcia Agostini Valle ◽  
Thiago de Paula Protásio ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 50559
Author(s):  
Pamela Rodrigues Passos Severino ◽  
Natália Ferreira Braga ◽  
Guilherme Ferreira Morgado ◽  
Juliano Marini ◽  
Orestes Ferro ◽  
...  

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 2436
Author(s):  
Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed ◽  
Martina Meincken

Low-cost wood–plastic composites (WPCs) were developed from invasive trees and recycled low-density polyethylene. The aim was to produce affordable building materials for low-cost social housing in South Africa. Both raw materials are regarded as waste materials, and the subsequent product development adds value to the resources, while simultaneously reducing the waste stream. The production costs were minimised by utilising the entire biomass of Acacia saligna salvaged from clearing operations without any prior processing, and low-grade recycled low-density polyethylene to make WPCs without any additives. Different biomass/plastic ratios, particle sizes, and press settings were evaluated to determine the optimum processing parameters to obtain WPCs with adequate properties. The water absorption, dimensional stability, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and tensile moduli were improved at longer press times and higher temperatures for all blending ratios. This has been attributed to the crystallisation of the lignocellulose and thermally induced cross-linking in the polyethylene. An increased biomass ratio and particle size were positively correlated with water absorption and thickness swelling and inversely related with MOR, tensile strength, and density due to an incomplete encapsulation of the biomass by the plastic matrix. This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilising low-grade recycled polyethylene and the whole-tree biomass of A. saligna, without the need for pre-processing and the addition of expensive modifiers, to produce WPCs with properties that satisfy the minimum requirements for interior cladding or ceiling material.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 44-49
Author(s):  
Ibiyemi A. Idowu ◽  
Olutosin O. Ilori

The study examined the effect of fillers on the mechanical properties of the recycled low density polyethylene composites under weathered condition with a view of managing the generation and disposal of plastic wastes. Discarded pure water sachets and fillers (glass and talc) were sourced and recycled. Recycled low density polyethylene (RLDPE) and preparation of RLDPE/glass, RLDPE/talc and RLDPE/glass/talc composites were carried out using a furnace at compositions of 0 – 40% in steps of 10% by weight. The mixtures were poured into hand-laid mould. The samples produced were exposed to sunlight for eight (8) weeks and their mechanical properties were studied. The results of mechanical tests revealed that tensile strength decreased with increasing filler loading while impact strength and hardness property increased marginally and considerably with increasing filler loading for all the composites respectively. The study concluded that glass and talc were able to reinforce recycled low density polyethylene under weathered condition. Keywords: Recycled Low Density Polyethylene (RLDPE); Fillers; Glass, Talc; Weathering condition; Sunlight; and Mechanical properties; Tensile strength, Impact and hardness


2017 ◽  
Vol 890 ◽  
pp. 82-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reymark D. Maalihan ◽  
Bryan B. Pajarito

This work reports the effect of temperature on degradation of colored low-density polyethylene (PE) films during thermal aging. Film samples were formulated according to Taguchi design of experiments where colorant, thickness, and pro-oxidant concentration were varied accordingly. Tensile properties of films were monitored with time during heat aging in a hot air oven at 50, 70, and 90 °C. Likewise, surfaces of aged films were analyzed to evaluate the degree of oxidation of PE during thermal aging. The Arrhenius equation was then used to predict the lifetime of PE at an in-use temperature of 30 °C. Results indicate that increasing the temperature reduces the tensile strength and modulus of films. Formation of carbonyl groups as degradation products is also observed at higher temperatures. Consequently, thermal aging at 90 °C offers the highest extent of degradation of exposed films. Regression analysis reveals that white films degrade at a higher rate than yellow and non-colored films. The presence of TiO2 in white films shortens the lifetime of PE while amine stabilizer in yellow films enhances the stability of PE during thermal aging.


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