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

Abstract

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.

The effects of surface modified date‐palm fiber fillers upon the thermo‐physical performances of high density polyethylene‐polyvinyl chloride blend with maleic anhydride as a grafting agent

“…Similarly, the present authors previously reported the in situ grafting of immiscible HDPE‐PVC blends with MAH initiated by dicumyl peroxide (DCP) using a twin screw extruder 14 . Recently, several researchers have reported the preparation of bio‐composites and have investigated the effects of treated fiber and matrix maleation 15–17 . Other studies have reported that MAH forms bridges between both the hydroxyl groups of the fibers and the polymer matrix 18,19 …”

“…14 Recently, several researchers have reported the preparation of bio-composites and have investigated the effects of treated fiber and matrix maleation. [15][16][17] Other studies have reported that MAH forms bridges between both the hydroxyl groups of the fibers and the polymer matrix. 18,19 The mechanical upcycling of the HDPE-PVC blend is a desirable process for improving the thermo-physical performance and reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.…”

Enhancement of polypropylene mechanical behavior by the synergistic effect of mixtures of carbon nanofibers and graphene nanoplatelets modified with cold propylene plasma

“…CNPs [P] show lower compatibility with the PP matrix than CNPs [M]. The lower compatibility is evidenced by the presence of exposed CNPs after cryogenic shearing and by the presence of microvoids/cavities at the interface CNPs‐PP 48–51 . In Figure 3, a more significant number of exposed CNPs [P] can be observed (indicated with red arrows), as well as a more considerable number of microvoids are observed at the interface between CNPs [P] and PP matrix.…”

“…The lower compatibility is evidenced by the presence of exposed CNPs after cryogenic shearing and by the presence of microvoids/cavities at the interface CNPs-PP. [48][49][50][51] In Figure 3, a more significant number of exposed CNPs [P] can be observed (indicated with red arrows), as well as a more considerable number of microvoids are observed at the interface between CNPs [P] and PP matrix. Figure 4 shows the CNFs [M] less exposed and covered by thin layers of the PP, as well as the absence of microvoids in the interface of the exposure of the CNFs [M].…”

New strategies for surface modification of poly (vinyl alcohol) toward click chemistry applications

“…[19][20][21] Surface modification of polymers can be utilized to improve biological resistance, compatibility or degradability, impact response, thermal stability, multiphase physical response, flexibility, stiffness, and other properties. [22][23][24] According to the literature, the most common PVA modification processes involving hydroxyl groups are esterification, etherification, and acetalization. [14,25] Several other schemes for the modification of synthetic and natural polymers, each targeting a specific application, have been reported in previous literature.…”