Recycled polyethylene/polyethylene-ethylene-1-octene-maleic anhydride composite with improved mechanical properties

作者：He, Hezhi^*; Wang, Yi; Gao, Jun; Huang, Zhaoxia; Liu, Yufan; Tian, Guidong; Xu, Li; Zhu, Zhiwen^*

来源：Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2022, 139(8): e51694.

DOI：10.1002/app.51694

• composites
• elastomers
• mechanical properties
• microscopy
• recycling

Owing to the thermomechanical degradation and impurities, the high-value utilization of waste packaging plastics is still a great challenge. In this work, we confirmed that the major sort of impurity in waste polyethylene (PE) packing films is calcium carbonate. Consequently, PE/poly(ethylene-co-1-octene)-maleic anhydride (rPE/POE-g-MAH) and poly(ethylene-co-1-octene) (rPE/POE) composites were recycled using a custom-made three-screw extruder, who can supply intensive shear flow during extrusion. The POE-g-MAH is detected to be filled between PE and inorganic impurities, and the compatibility is improved through chemical reactions. As mechanical test manifested, the rPE/POE-g-MAH blends present higher tensile strength and elongation at break than the rPE/POE blends at the same composition. The reason for such improved toughness of composite was explained in detail through the tensile fracture surface analysis. Rheology test further shows that POE-g-MAH improves the compatibility of matrix and impurities. In summary, this article provides a sustainable route for enhancing the poor ductility of recycled express bags in a simple and economical way, which could pave an avenue for high-value utilization of waste packaging plastics. At the same time, it also provides new solutions for material selection in packaging, construction, agriculture and other fields.