scholarly journals Role of Chemically Functionalization of Bamboo Fibers on Polyethylene-Based Composite Performance: A Solution for Recycling

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 2564
Author(s):  
Meisam Kouhi ◽  
Simona Butan ◽  
Yang Li ◽  
Elias Shakour ◽  
Mihaela Banu

Low-density polyethylene is the most common polymer for manufacturing containers, bottles, tubes, plastic bags, computer components and so on. There is an urgent need to find solutions for its recycling and reintegration in high volume production components such as non-structural auto applications. The reinforcement of recycled low-density polyethylene with natural fibers represents a solution for the re-use of the recycled low-density polyethylene. However, there is a lack of understanding of how the natural fibers influence the behavior of the bare low-density polyethylene, and furthermore, how the interface between the fibers and the matrix can be controlled in composite to obtain the designed toughness, strength, stiffness and damping. In this sense, the study presents an in-depth analysis of the behavior of three coupling agents used in the chemically functionalized bamboo fibers interface for reinforcing low-density polyethylene composites. Through mechanical tests, the mechanical properties are determined and compared and finally, a correlation between the viscous behavior of the resulted composites and the toughening mechanism is proposed. The conclusion of the study enables a flexible design of polymer composite components fabricated of recycled and non-recycled low-density polyethylene and natural fibers.

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olutosin O. Ilori ◽  
Ibiyemi A. Idowu ◽  
Kehinde M. Adeleke

This work compared the effect of fillers on the mechanical properties of recycled low-density polyethylene composites under non-weathered and weathered conditions. Pure water sachet wastes, glass wastes were sourced from dump-site at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, while the talc was sourced from Lagere, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Recycling of plastic bags (low-density polyethylene) and the preparation of recycled low-density polyethylene (RLDPE)/glass, RLDPE/ talc and RLDPE/glass/talc composites were carried out using a furnace at compositions of 0 to 40% in steps of 10% by weight. The mixtures were then poured into hand-laid mould for tensile, impact and hardness tests. The samples were divided into two groups; one group was subjected to natural weathering conditions. The results of mechanical tests carried out were subjected to a paired t-test. The study concluded that there was no significant difference between the non-weathered and weathered samples. This implies that both talc and glass were able to reinforce recycled low density polyethylene (RLDPE) under both conditions and can help resist degradation.


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


2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 292
Author(s):  
Olusola Femi Olusunmade ◽  
Abba Emmanuel Bulus ◽  
Terwase Kelvin Kashin

Composites of recycled low-density polyethylene obtained from waste water-sachets and imperata cylindrica were produced with particulate and long-fibre unidirectional mat reinforcements. Comparison was made of the tensile and impact properties resulting from the use of the different reinforcement forms at 10 wt% ratio in the matrix. The results obtained from the tests carried out revealed that tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break and impact strength of the composite with the long-fibre mat reinforcement were better than those of the one composite with the particulate reinforcement. The better performance observed in the long-fibre mat reinforcement could be attributed to the retention of the toughness and stiffness of the imperata cylindrica stem in this form of reinforcement, which is lost after the stem strands are pulverized into particles. Imperata cylindrica stem, as a natural fibre reinforcement for polymetric material is, therefore, recommended in the long-fibre mat form. The combination of these otherwise challenging resources in composite materials development will add economic value to them and help to reduce the nvironmental menace they present.


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5370
Author(s):  
Ana M. Borreguero ◽  
Irene Izarra ◽  
Ignacio Garrido ◽  
Patrycja J. Trzebiatowska ◽  
Janusz Datta ◽  
...  

Polyurethane (PU) is one of the principal polymers in the global plastic market thanks to its versatility and continuous improvement. In this work, PU elastomeric materials having thermoregulating properties through the incorporation of microcapsules (mSD-(LDPE·EVA-RT27)) from low-density polyethylene and vinyl acetate containing paraffin®RT27 as PCM were produced. Elastomers were synthesized while varying the molar ratio [NCO]/[OH] between 1.05 and 1.1 and the microcapsule (MC) content from 0.0 to 20.0 wt.%. The successful synthesis of the PUs was confirmed by IR analyses. All the synthesized elastomers presented a structure formed by a net of spherical microparticles and with a minimum particle size for those with 10 wt.% MC. The density and tensile strength decreased with the MC content, probably due to worse distribution into the matrix. Elastomer E-1.05 exhibited better structural and stability properties for MC contents up to 15 wt.%, whereas E-1.1, containing 20 wt.% MC, revealed mechanical and thermal synergy effects, demonstrating good structural stability and the largest latent heat. Hence, elastomers having a large latent heat (8.7 J/g) can be produced by using a molar ratio [NCO]/[OH] of 1.1 and containing 20 wt.% mSD-(LDPE·EVA-RT27).


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