Chemical Treatment of Bio-Derived Industrial Waste Filled Recycled Low-Density Polyethylene: A Comparative Evaluation

The search for renewable alternatives for petroleum products that can be used in industrial applications is increasing. Each year, several tons of bio-derived industrial waste is produced and most of it is burned or placed in landfills. Olive pits (OP) have unique characteristics such as abundance, renewability, and biodegradability, which can be utilized to develop new types of biocomposites. One of the most promising uses of OP is that they can reinforce the mechanical properties of polymeric biocomposites. This study describes the preparation of recycled low-density polyethylene (rLDPE) that is filled with OP flour (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.%) using a twin-screw extruder. The effects of the chemical treatment of the OP surface (sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)) on the bio-filler/polymer compatibility along with the produced composite’s chemical, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties have been explored. Overall, the reinforced composites that were obtained with alkali-treated OP have better biocomposite properties. This indicates an improved compatibility between the bio-filler and matrix. The results are promising in terms of using OP flour in developing green composites.

Download Full-text

Sustainable valorization of recycled low-density polyethylene and cocoa biomass for composite production

Environmental Science and Pollution Research ◽

10.1007/s11356-021-13061-y ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maria Cecíllia Ramos de Araújo Veloso ◽

Mário Vanoli Scatolino ◽

Maria Margarida Boavida Pontes Gonçalves ◽

Mara Lúcia Agostini Valle ◽

Thiago de Paula Protásio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Density Polyethylene ◽

Low Density ◽

Composite Production ◽

Recycled Low Density Polyethylene

Download Full-text

The use of recycled low‐density polyethylene films from protective prepreg for the development of nanocomposites with bentonite clay

Journal of Applied Polymer Science ◽

10.1002/app.50559 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 50559

Author(s):

Pamela Rodrigues Passos Severino ◽

Natália Ferreira Braga ◽

Guilherme Ferreira Morgado ◽

Juliano Marini ◽

Orestes Ferro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bentonite Clay ◽

Low Density Polyethylene ◽

Low Density ◽

Polyethylene Films ◽

Recycled Low Density Polyethylene

Download Full-text

High-temperature rheological properties of asphalt binders modified with recycled low-density polyethylene and crumb rubber

Construction and Building Materials ◽

10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123852 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 298 ◽

pp. 123852

Author(s):

Gabriel Macêdo Duarte ◽

Adalberto Leandro Faxina

Keyword(s):

High Temperature ◽

Rheological Properties ◽

Crumb Rubber ◽

Asphalt Binders ◽

Low Density Polyethylene ◽

Low Density ◽

Recycled Low Density Polyethylene

Download Full-text

Properties of Low-Cost WPCs Made from Alien Invasive Trees and rLDPE for Interior Use in Social Housing

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13152436 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (15) ◽

pp. 2436

Author(s):

Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed ◽

Martina Meincken

Keyword(s):

Tensile Strength ◽

Water Absorption ◽

Social Housing ◽

Low Cost ◽

Production Costs ◽

Low Density Polyethylene ◽

Low Grade ◽

Low Density ◽

Invasive Trees ◽

Recycled Low Density Polyethylene

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.

Download Full-text