Processing Temperature of Sustainable Polymer with Thermoplastics by Injection Moulding (Part 1)

Abstract

This research is started by mixing in-house produced sustainable polymers (SP) from waste cooking oil with the standard low density polyethylene (LDPE) via melt-mixing at low ratios. These mixtures are then compounded via injection molding to produce tensile samples according to ISO 527 (5A). The parameters used in injection molding were initially set to follow the parameters of neat LDPE. Fortunately, by using the quality of individual compounds injected, the parameters obtained for all ratios were the same with neat LDPE. The corresponding mechanical behaviors of each ratio were also examined and the results showed that both tensile strength and strain of the LDPE/SP were better than neat LDPE. Therefore, not only does the presence of SP provide biodegradable properties, but it also improves the mechanical properties. It was concluded that the processing temperature and composition of SP will both influence the quality and mechanical behavior of the product made. This study may aid any intention on processing these in-house produced polymers by injection molding.