Influence of compatibilizer on the properties of low-density polyethylene/polyamide 6 blends obtained by mechanical recycling of multilayer film waste

Author(s)

Pinzon Moreno, Diego David ^[1] ; Saron, Clodoaldo ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Engn Sch Lorena, Dept Mat Engn, LOM EEL, Polo Urbo Ind, Gleba AI-6, S-N, BR-12602810 Lorena, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH; v. 36, n. 8, p. 729-736, AUG 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Polymeric wastes have caused increasing environmental problems, mainly in oceans that accumulate large amounts of non-degradable plastic waste. Particularly, waste of polymeric multilayer films for packaging presents low interest for mechanical recycling due to the poor properties and low commercial value of the recycled material generated as polymeric blends. Multilayer films of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyamide 6 (PA6) is a typical material used for packaging applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of the concentration of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA) on the compatibilization of LDPE/PA6 blends generated from mechanical recycling of multilayer films containing both polymers. The action of the PE-g-MA on the properties of the LDPE/PA6 blends was evaluated by tensile tests, optical microscopy, melt flow rate, and scanning electron microscopy. The use of PE-g-MA at 2.5 wt% as a compatibilizer during reactive extrusion of the multilayer films waste has showed the best result for production of the respective recycled LDPE/PA6 blends. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/13715-5 - Mechanical recycling of thermoplastic polymers from computer equipments waste
• Grantee: Clodoaldo Saron
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants